FEATURING GOSSP GIRL’S INFLUENCE ON FASHION AS WELL AS NYFW @ DA
A SHOE THAT HAS TAKEN CAMPUS BY STORM:
SAMBAS
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the third issue of BeyondTheValley! As the Editor-in-Chief, I am thrilled to present to you a curated collection of fashion trends, insights, and inspirations
BeyondTheValley is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the diverse and dynamic world of fashion. This magazine is more than just a publication; it's a platform where we celebrate individual expression at Deerfield, spotlight emerging trends, and provide a glimpse into the multifaceted realm of fashion outside of Western Massachusetts.
As you flip through the pages, I invite you to immerse yourself in the stories and visuals that capture the essence of BeyondTheValley Whether you're a seasoned fashion enthusiast or just exploring your style, we aim to offer something for everyone.
BeyondTheValley has meant a lot to me throughout my Deerfield career, and I hope our magazine is able to convey that A special shoutout to Olivia Hohmann ‘24 and Xavier Armas ‘24 for making this possible Lastly, a special thanks to Osegie Osayimwen ‘23 for introducing me to BeyondTheValley and entrusting me with his legacy
Best regards,
Campbell Fealy ‘24
Editor-in-chief
Campbell Fealy ‘24
Managing
Editors
Xavier Armas ‘24
Olivia Hohmann ‘24
Photographers
Xavier Armas ‘24*
Adaugo Nwaokoro ‘24
Anna Dyjach ‘24
Lila Church ‘25
Anneke Wittink ‘25
Alex Hermsdorf ‘25
Melinda Aznar Klein ‘25
Anne Kelly ‘27
The BeyondTheValley Team *indicates a lead position
Graphic Designers:
Campbell Fealy ‘24*
Xavier Armas ‘24
Miu Yatsuka ‘24
Valerie Trevino ‘26
Writers:
Abby Tang ‘25*
Leela Portny ‘25
Chloe Acquavella ‘25
Sophia Sotirhos ‘25
Maggie Monroe-Williams‘26
Evelyn Kunde ‘26
Caylah Yang ‘26
Editors:
Kathrine Margulis ‘24
BeyondTheValley Contributors
Eddy Rena ‘24
Hawk Okpokwasili ‘25
Annie Loring ‘26
Olivia Port ‘26
Photographed by Adaugo Nwaokoro ‘24 Featuring Chamari Williams ‘24
Photographed by Adaugo Nwaokoro ‘24 Featuring Chamari Williams ‘24
THE EVOLUTION OF SHOES
The sneaker, which was initially intended for athletic purposes, has evolved in much more than just a shoe that is worn by young kids in their physical education classes. In the early 1900s, one would mostly see sneakers blazing across a basketball court, possibly on the feet of all-star Chuck Taylor. If that name sounds familiar to some, it is because Chuck
Taylor is the man responsible for the rise of Converse. Most sneaker brands, like Converse, rose to fame as more and more major athletes decided to wear a brand's sneakers on their feet. As the 20th century progressed, sneakers developed more purposes than supporting one’s sole for sporting events; sneakers started to be worn as fashion statements.
It is undebatable that Michael Jordan single-handedly changed the sneaker industry after he signed a contract with Nike to wear their newest shoe, “Air Jordans.” Although Air Jordans were originally intended for basketball, the shoe managed to work its way into everyday fashion and pop culture. Air Jordans have been worn in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and in music videos of rappers like Jay-Z, the Notorious B.I.G., and Kanye West. The Air Jordan demonstrates how sneakers have developed past an athletic shoe, and its popularity has inspired other brands like Nike and Adidas to incorporate complex patterns, colors, and unique laces into their products.
If you look at the feet of Deerfield students, almost every individual is wearing sneakers; you may see an occasional loafer, but there will never be a ballet flat or heel in sight. Has Deerfield always been this way? To find the answer to this question, I asked my dad, the biggest sneaker junkie I know, who graduated from Deerfield in 1996, how he feels sneakers have grown over time. My dad said, “When I was at Deerfield, kids only had about one pair of sneakers and four pairs of dress shoes, and now, it’s the complete opposite. I remember wearing my Air Jordan 11s to school; they were the first pair of sneakers with patent leather, and it was considered pretty radical to wear shoes like that since most kids weren’t into sneakers then. Only two or three kids were into sneakers like I was, but today, Nike Air Jordans and Dunks are some of the most popular shoes even though they’ve been around since I was your age.” We are all curious to see how this shoe evolution will evolve as our sneakers, particularly white sneakers, continue to populate campus; maybe we will see some ballet flats or high heels; who knows?
Photographed by Xavier Armas ’24 and Adaugo Nwaokoro ’24
Designed by Campbell Fealy ‘24
A SHOE THAT HAS TAKEN CAMPUS BY STORM: SAMBAS
Photographed by Xavier Armas ‘24
Photographed by Anneke Wittink ‘25 Featuring Casey Kittredge ‘25
which FASHION ICON
It’s getting cold out, so you need a jacket to go with your outfit Which jacket do you pick?
a dark colored blazer a quilted coat
an oversized zip-up a trench coat
Choose a pair of sunglasses to go with your outfit
Silver aviator sunglasses
Oversized cat eye sunglasses
Fun colorful oval sunglasses
Tortoise shell colored sunglasses
It‘s time to pick a hat!
Good ole American cowboy hat
Sun hat
Baseball hat
No hat, or more of a headband type of person
What shirt most attracts you?
Light and airy button down
Striped shirt
Oversized t-shirt
Simple white or black shirt
Choose your pants.
Blue jeans
Linen pants
Fashionable sweatpants
Fitting trousers
Not necessaril part of an outfit, but which dog?
Bea ded C e
G ea Da e
I d a a d
Y e e e
Shoes are a must.
S ea e Ta d e e
B ac a e
Pick a bag to carr our belongings!
Which accessor is a must?
What color is found the most in our closet?
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D I a e ed D, A d e He b e a A d e He b a a e e a d ae e ca ea e, c ed a a a K e e e ece a ed ed e , He b c a ed e a d. F e e b ac d e de ed b G e c , ed e , e c c ba e a , ea d a d ec ace , A d e He b ca be de ed a e e a
Photographed by Alex Hermsdorf ‘25 Featuring Finn Knight ‘25
THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF
Sixteen years after its first premier, the 2007 CW drama Gossip Girl continues to inspire the fashion industry and shapes the way we look at it today. When costume director Eric Daman first set out to create the outfits for our favorite Manhattan elite, every detail was intentional. He got much inspiration from camping outside Upper East Side private schools and following trends from the early 2000s in Brooklyn. From Blair Waldorf’s preppy posh look to Vannesa Abrams’s funky clothing, each character had a signature style that was distinguishable from others and desirable to all. With a mixture of high-end labels and downtown designers, Daman created a fashion fantasy for teenagers worldwide, inspiring many to recreate iconic looks.
To know Blair Waldorf is to love her. If you have watched the show, you know Blair, otherwise known as “Queen B,” always finds a way to get what she wants. She’s a perfectionist with an obsession for power and an unmatched loyalty to her friends, most of the time. Blair is always put together, including, but not limited to, her fashion sense. Her style is classy, chic, and polished. Her outfits always match; each color complements every pattern and vice versa. For the most part, she dresses on the more conservative side and can most definitely be seen outside Constance Billard St. Jude’s School in a white collared button-up and a sleek silk navy skirt. widely recognized for the simple yet daring details of her like a bright yellow headband, a red lip, or a black bow tied her neck. She loves layers, especially tights with skirts and pairs of heels. Her style is very feminine; she enjoys skirts and dresses and can rarely be found wearing pants. Even to bed, she dresses elegantly in silk nightgowns with lace detailing.
The signature style of Blair Waldorf is a direct reference to the personality of her character. The sophisticated, wealthy, power-hungry teen is the quintessential Upper East Side schoolgirl; her fashion choices not only reflect these qualities but emphasize them.
When Serena Van Der Woodsen returns home in the pilot episode of Gossip Girl, she stirs chaos in the established order of her socialite world. She has always been known to cause
a bit of trouble, though her actions are often disregarded and obscured by her effortlessly beautiful looks. Serena is extremely laid back and nonchalant. Her thick blonde hair is defined by imperfect waves that simultaneously look flawless. Her style is playful, commonly referred to as bohemian chic, and usually utilizes her natural beauty. She wears tight clothing, like skinny jeans, and loves to mix and match her outfits. She constantly pairs simple clothing with extravagant accessories, like long necklaces layered above a low-cut white t-shirt. From sequined blazers to cropped fur coats, Serena loves wearing jackets of all lengths, prints, materials, and styles, although she may most famously be known for her iconic thigh-high stilettos. Serena’s clothes are expensive, usually designer, and include unique spins with unexpected details. Unlike her classmates, Jenny Humphrey is a middle-class citizen. Dubbed “Little J,” Jenny is an insecure social climber who follows the crowd and tries her best to fit in. In the first season, Jenny always catches up on the latest trends. Since she doesn’t have the money to buy designer clothes like her classmates, she creates replicas with her sewing machine. Initially, Jenny loves bright colors and fun patterns like plaid. She wears lots of hats and long pea coats, items that reflect the innocence of her character. However, in season two, as Jenny starts to gain her own independence and confidence, her appearance drastically changes. Bright colors are replaced with blacks and grays, heavy makeup covers her sweet blue eyes, and her curls are cut into a straight bob with sharp bangs. Jenny adopts a rocker chic style that is edgy and dramatic. She loves to look older than she is by wearing lots of leather and fishnet tights. Jenny’s gothic appearance attempts to mix her two very different worlds. The contrast between innocent and edgy outfits shows the evolution of her character over time. As she discovers her self-identity, Jenny adopts her own distinct and exclusive style that is solely hers.
Vannesa Abrams comes from a humble background. She is not one of the Upper East Side socialites and has no intention of being one. She is unapologetically herself and confidently proud of who she is. Like her personality, her clothes are casual and low-key. Unlike the designers Serena and Blair wear, Vanessa’s clothes are wearable, realistic, and attainable. Her style represents the Lower East Side in the early 2000s, so she wears many skinny jeans, high-top sneakers, and letterman jackets. Her style is sporty, and she loves vintage-looking clothing. She wears lots of neon and funky patterns like leopard print. Like her clothes, Vanessa is bold. She accessories with chunky bangles and door knocker earrings, especially her infamous
gold hoops. Her clothes are unique, and she usually wears something you’ve never seen.
By Sophia Sotirhos
by
Featuring Alva Fink ’25
And Liv Boe ‘25
Designed by Campbell Fealy ‘24
Xoxo,
Photographed
Melinda Aznar Klein ’25
Photographed by
Melinda Aznar Klein‘25 Featuring Alva Fink ‘25
jane birkin
Jane Birkin:Legacy and Influence
written by Annie Loring and Maggie Monroe graphics by miu Jane Birkin achieved that very few before she had. In the company of iconic women like Princess Diana and Grace Kelly, Jane became the inspiration for the ultimate bag in fashion, the Birkin Sitting on a London-bound plane Jane Birkin was complaining about something most women struggle with, finding a purse that could fit her needs. After recently becoming a mother, Jane felt that no bag on the market was truly made for women to use No bag was big enough to be functional but also fashionable. Little did Jane know that the person she was confiding in was the executive chairman and chief designer of Hermes, Jean-Louis Damus. Using the plane’s puke bag to display her ideal size of a “weekender bag”,
Jane presented Damus with her vision and troubles. Damus was inspired and designed the iconic Birkin and honored the handbag with Jane’s name. Now one of the most sought-after and exclusive bags, the story of its origin was a fantastic coincidence.
Though it was no surprise Jane died with a namesake purse. The singer and actor was commonly referenced as a French icon, despite her British heritage. Jane was widely known for her classic and elegant wardrobe, and for pushing boundaries on women ' s fashion throughout the late 70’s.
Described as artistic and effortlessly chic, her death in July of 2023 left a hole in much of the fashion world and many designers Rima Abdul Malak, minister of culture for France, tweeted “Jane B was mischief, impertinent elegance, the never-outdated emblem of an entire era, a murm- JANE BIRKIN (1946-2023)
urmuring voice that remains our idol.” Even the President of her adopted country, France, wrote on behalf of her passing Emmanuel Macron stated, “Because she embodied freedom because she sang the most beautiful words of our language, Jane Birkin was a French icon ” Jane is the prime example of fashion creating community and expression. Although a Briton, Ms. Birkin displayed at the greatest lengths the sophistication of classic French fashion with her own tasteful 70’s flare twists Vogue has described Jane Birkin to be arguably one of the “greatest embodiments of cultural entente cordiale there has ever been”, so whether in her namesake bag or her impact on French fashion culture, Jane Birkin will always be remembered and celebrated.
have proven time and time again to be the utmost important staple pieces.
Photographed by Anna Dyjach ‘24 Featuring Elizabeth Richards ‘24
Caleb started skating five years ago when a friend from home introduced him to what is now his favorite hobby. Through skating he has met many people and friends who he still keeps in touch with. At Deerfield he manages to make time to skate whether that is behind the Koch or down Albany Road. Skating has taught Caleb not only many valuable tricks, but also several life lessons. Skating style is typically oversized clothing and cargo
Photographed by Xavier Armas ’24
Featuring Caleb McDaniel ’24
Designed by Campbell Fealy ’24
Photographed by Anna Dyjach ‘24
Featuring Xavier Armas ‘24
ms.
matouk’s magnificent style
There are many teachers and faculty who have notable fashion senses, but English Teacher, and Spouse of Head of School John Austin, Monica Matouk, has both a style and take on fashion worth commending.
When asked if she has a favorite designer or clothing brand, she smiled and laughed. In a follow up question I inquired about how she goes about picking her everyday outfits, once again receiving a laugh before hearing that she does not have a method or general outlook or approach to fashion.
Ms Matouk states, “I really am not knowledgeable about brands or designers, I actually don’t really think that way about fashion ”
She views this art in a personal way and does so by picking out her outfits using meaningful items of clothing and by finding “things that speak to [her] and are authentic, comfortable, and match [her] energy.”
Instead of a formula, or the nightly picking out of outfits, Ms Matouk creates an outfit that represents her unique self and state. For this reason, she does not have one specific favorite outfit and likes to frequently change up her look
In an interview with her, she touches on the value of experimentation in fashion throughout all seasons and aspects of life, as it is because of this aspect that she finds fashion so ‘enjoyable ’ She thinks of it as something that should not be taken too seriously as that is what provides people with so much joy in shopping or styling outfits
Just as Ms. Matouk first had trouble finding someone ’ s particular style of clothing that she admires, she notes that “when I think of people who’s style I like, I think it is often not what they’re wearing, but the way they’re wearing it and expressing themselves ” With a less materialistic approach, Ms Matouk values reflecting your personality through clothing rather than shaping your clothing to fit in with the crowd, furthering her point regarding being able to not take fashion too seriously.
With that being said, she understands the importance of fashion and how one dresses is of value to many because “It is where your private self meets your public self, and it is how you present to the world ”
As an English teacher, Ms Matouk is a lover of self expression, and with that seems to have a natural gift of generating clothing She will continue to use her clothing to express her personality, and likewise I believe that this approach is one worth trying out.
By: Evelyn Kunde
‘26
NYFW @ DA
To say that the looks premiered on the runways of New York Fashion Week will influence everyday outfits around the world would be an understatement. With these haute couture shows taking place just three hours south of the Deerfield campus, the question has to be asked: “How will high fashion trends manifest themselves on the big green campus?”
The trend that has been popping up all over social media has been the spotlight on silver. From metallic pants to glistening crossbody bags, it is everywhere. Normally the looks that designers produce on the runway are rarely accessible to the average consumer, but this is a trend that’s appearing in catalogs and classrooms. On the Deerfield campus alone, students are beginning to accessorize with silver more than ever before. Something that was once thought of as a material for jewelry is now being used as the centerpiece of a fashionable outfit.
Colors are often central to many designer’s collections, and for fall/winter 2023, the color is: red. Scarlett hues lined the catwalks with brands like Gucci, Khaite, and The Row showing red hot sweaters during their shows. Living at a school that practically borders on Vermont, our winters get very cold, very quickly. Red sweaters definitely have the possibility of becoming all the rage this season.
On the topic of staying warm this winter, chunky knits are back in full effect. This season, however, they’re more colorful than ever before. Stripes and block prints of every bright hue are being released from most major fashion houses. This is a trend that will likely find its way onto the Deerfield campus in the near future.
This season, denim is everywhere. It’s inclusive, wearable, and fashionable. Silhouettes like the cargo, flare, and baggy are ones that you’re pretty familiar with, but Fashion Week introduced unique jeans like never before. Starting off with one of the more versatile trends, the split hem jean is class dress approved and able to be dressed up or down. If you want your jeans to be the center-point of the outfit, designs by Veronica Beard and Pacsun, will satisfy your every need. These luxury designers are just two examples of ombre denim being a focal point of this fall/winter season. More traditionally, brighter colors were reserved for the warmer seasons, but incorporating something like ombre into a cold weather collection evokes excitement for what’s to come. Unlike patchwork denim, two-tone denim offers a more refined take on the trend that peaked amongst younger generations last year.
As trends evolve into something more intriguing, yet wearable, there will undoubtedly be crossover between the style choices being shown by designers, and the clothing that Deerfield students choose to wear.
By: Leela Portny
Photographed by Lila Church ‘25
Featuring Olivia Port ‘26 And Caylah Yang ‘26
Designed by Campbell Fealy ‘24
Photographed by Adaugo Nwaokoro ‘24 Featuring Zariah Hargrove ’27
Photographed by Adaugo Nwaokoro ‘24 Featuring Zariah Hargrove ’27
Photographed by Caylah Yang ‘26 Featuring Xavier Armas ‘24 And Campbell Fealy ‘24
