4.18 Acumen

Acumen the fashion issue Volume 11

Issue 4

4.18.14

Check out page 3 for a fitting guide modeled

by Naomi Reibold and John Chen.

the fashion issue

JULIE XU / COVER ILLUSTRATION

Dear readers, By just looking through the halls, anyone can see how fashion makes up a significant component of the student life here. With the spring coming, my coeditor Jason Klein and I thought it would be a perfect time to choose fashion as the Acumen’s April topic. In this issue, we’ve tried to appeal both to male and female fashion. On this page, there is a graphic demonstrating the evolution of the famous Air Jordan

shoe. Later, there is a guide on how certain clothing items should fit and a guide on how to wear a little black dress seven different ways. For those who think fashion is superficial, there are opposing viewpoint columns on page 6. I hope you enjoy the issue.

Your Acumen Editor in Chief, Julie Xu

Staff

Purpose Acumen is an issue-based publication serving to supplement the HiLite. Acumen is distributed to the students, faculty and staff of CHS. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily representative of those held by CHS, the Carmel Clay schools system faculty, staff or administration.

Julie Xu Jason Klein John Chen Claudia Huang Omeed Malek Maham Nadeem Sriya Ravi Naomi Reibold Lianne Yu Stephanie Zhang

Acumen Editor in Chief Acumen Associate Editor Reporters

Contact information Mailing Address: 520 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: (317) 846-7721, Ext. 7143 Website: www.hilite.org E-mail: Staff members of the HiLite may be contacted via email by using their first initial and their last name appending @hilite.org. For example, Julie Xu will receive an email sent to jxu@hilite.org.

Photographers

Kyle Crawford Mikaela George Nivedha Meyyappan Jaymee Stout

Graphic Artists

Rachel Chen Scott Liu Aaron Shi

HiLite Editor in Chief

Claudia Huang

Managing Editors

Taylor Acton Eric He Hafsa Razi Andrew Wang

Adviser Principal Superintendent

Jim Streisel John Williams Dr. Nicholas Wahl

Evolution of the Air Jordan by Rachel Chen

Air Jordan I Year released: 1985 Price: $65 Designer: Peter Moore Michael Jordan was fined for wearing these shoes because they did not follow the NBA’s uniform code.

Air Jordan V Year released: 1990 Price: $125 Designer: Tinker Hatfield These shoes were inspired by the World War II Mustang fighter plane, which Hatfield thought resembled Jordan’s playing.

Air Jordan III Year released: 1988 Price: $100 Designer: Tinker Hatfield These featured elephant-print leather and the “Jumpman” logo on the tongue.

Air Jordan XVII Year released: 2002 Price: $200 Designer: Wilson Smith Inspired by Jordan’s favorite car brand Aston Martin, these shoes were the first Air Jordan designs to sell for $200.

Air Jordan XI Year released: 1995 Price: $125 Designer: Tinker Hatfield The design was inspired by a lawnmower and featured a clear outsole that, in the right light, made the shoe appear to float.

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ACUMEN

Air Jordan XIII Year released: 1997 Price: $150 Designer: Tinker Hatfield These were the first to be released under the Jordan brand name. The design was inspired by Jordan’s nickname, “Black Cat.”

Air Jordan 2009 Year released: 2009 Price: $190 Designer: Jason Mayden The theme of the design was defense in fencing and incorporated technology

that enhances reaction

times. Many of its

features were

not repeated.

Air Jordan XX8

Year released: 2013

Price: $250

Designers: Tinker

Hatfield and

Josh

Heard The bold design, inspired by military boots, initially received criticism on social media. But as soon as basketball players began sporting them, they received nothing but rave reviews.

SNEAKERNEWS.COM / SOURCE

HOW CLOTHES SHOULD FIT

Keep in mind that this is a guide on how clothes should fit, not how you want them to fit. For example, if you feel your grunge power levels will lower if you buy a tank top that fits perfectly instead of one that’s slightly oversized, go for the slightly oversized one. If elements of your personal style contradict some advice in this guide, just remember that rules are meant to be broken. Written by John Chen, Photos by Kyle Crawford

Girls: The end-at-fly rule does not apply to cropped shirts.

Guys: Unless you have a thing for cropped shirts, make sure the shirt ends at the fly.

White text represents general rules Tan text represents specialized rules

SHIRTS They should end in the middle of your fly. However, this doesn’t hold true with dress shirts, as they’re meant to run long (you’re supposed to tuck them in).

SHORTS Girls: There’s no set length to shorts, so feel free to wear any length you want. But please, have some decency.

The shoulder seam should be resting on top of the shoulder, not below it.

A standard T-shirt’s sleeves should end roughly a fist and a half away from the elbow.

RULE BREAKING

Shorts should taper, or slim down along the thigh.

If they flare out at the bottom, they produce a very unflattering, bottom heavy appearance

Some avant-garde designers, such as The Viridi Anne and Boris Bidjan Saberi, make shirts that are supposed to drap over the shoulders and waist while still keeping a slim figure. This allows you to play with the proportions of your look without sacrificng sleekness.

Cargo shorts are great for hiking and yardwork.

Ouside of that, not so much. Slim down and go for flat front shorts.

If you need a belt to hold your pants up, they’re too big.

SKIRTS Since there are such a wide variety of skirts and so many styles to pursue, there aren’t any overarching rules on how all should fit. It’s more important to keep your body type and personal style in mind when choosing which skirt to wear.

Guys: Shorts should end at the knee or a couple inches above.

PANTS As a rule of thumb, pants should end at or just below the ankle.

RULE BREAKING

SHOES

The sides of the shoe shouldn’t pinch against the sides of your feet. Your toes should stop at about a half inch from the end of your shoe. Your feet shouldn’t slide around in the shoe.

Try chopping off a few inches off the length to achieve a cropped look.

Guys: Big thighs can make slim pants appear awkward. Go for straight fit pants instead.

Taper pants along the leg for a sleeker profile.

WANT TO READ MORE? SEE THE FULL STORY AT

THREAD COUNT THE HILITE’S FASHION BLOG

http://tinyurl.com/qcdxx27

April 18, 2014

03

Green is the new black

Recent reports about environmental damage caused by the fashion industry provoke interest in sustainability among students at Carmel High School

By Claudia Huang

I

f you happen to pick up a current fashion magazine, you may notice that the top runway trends for Spring 2014 fashion include pastel colors, iridescent fabrics, art-inspired prints, full skirts — as well as environmentally friendly fashion.

While fashion is typically quick to pick up on societal trends, it has been relatively slow to adopt environmentally friendly practices. However, an up-andcoming grassroots movement that advocates eco-fashion is promoting consumer awareness and gradually transforming the fashion industry’s outlook on sustainability.

Leah Miller, fourth-year fashion & textiles student and senior, said from the perspective of both a fashion designer and a consumer, she has witnessed the increased focus on eco-fashion initiatives.

Miller said, “There’s been a lot of emphasis on sustainability and interest in environmentally safe practices in all fashion-wide production and sales.

I’ve seen a lot more emphasis in the past year.”

Overdressed, a book released in MIKAELA GEORGE / PHOTOS February 2013, is one of many recently SHOPPING SMARTER: Leah Miller, fourth-year fashion & textiles student and senior, chooses to browse the published articles documenting the damaging effects clothing production aisles at Goodwill instead of shopping at stores that sell fast fashion. Miller said that this approach, which promotes reusing old clothing, encourages environmental sustainability. has had on the environment. According to Sass Brown, author of the 2010 book Eco Fashion documenting sustainability in fashion, industry professionals and consumers publications, activist undertakings and recent of designers’ interest in ethical and ecological alike have been inspired by these articles to be more news events that have drawn wider attention to design spans all tiers of distribution, and increased environmentally conscious. the unsafe and unhealthy conditions involved in consumer awareness is due to the plethora of “I think Overdressed is one of many books, articles, garment manufacture,” Brown said. “The increase books, websites, blogs and campaigns.”

Fast Fashion: By the Numbers Compiled by Claudia Huang

50% 2%

Clothing made in the United States that was purchased by Americans in 1990

Clothing made in the United States that is purchased

by Americans today

4X

More clothes that women have in their wardrobes today compared to 1980

40

$43 30%

In millions, the Average amount of World apparel estimated number money a garment exports that China, of garment workers factory worker in the largest maker worldwide that Bangladesh earns of fast fashion, create fast fashion per month produces

ETHICAL FASHION FORUM, THE GUARDIAN, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH / SOURCES

04 ACUMEN

Fashion’s Effect on Society

In the last decade, fast fashion stores that massproduce cheap and trendy clothing, such as Urban Outfitters and Forever 21, have become ubiquitous in society. These fast fashion stores are negatively impacting the attitudes of consumers in the United States.

Hazel Clark, research chair of fashion at Parsons The New School for Design, said that fashion is more focused on fleeting trends rather than lasting quality nowadays.

“Negative consequences (of fast fashion) can be that

clothing are treated as consumables that are bought to be thrown away, rather than kept, creating greater waste,” Clark said.

Due to the impermanence of trends in fashion, clothing rapidly fades out of style, and fast fashion’s desire to capitalize on these trends before they fade results in waste and pollution.

Miller said, “The fast turnover (of trends) in fashion and the large scale production from stores is not really necessary, and the pollution and everything we’re doing is over the top. It’s way more than is necessary (to satisfy consumers).”

Additionally, Timo Rissanen, assistant professor of fashion design and sustainability at Parsons The New School for Design, said that fast fashion has also had adverse effects on developing countries. Fast fashion is reliant on cheap labor from third-world countries to quickly mass-produce trendy clothing. But, on April 24, 2013, a garment factory collapsed in Bangladesh, resulting in over 1,100 deaths and raising concerns on the working conditions of garment workers.

Rissanen said, “The garment factory building collapse in Bangladesh and the loss of over 1,000 lives is almost an inevitable consequence of the relentless pursuit for economic growth. So are the use of child slave labor in the cotton fields of Uzbekistan and the suicides by cotton farmers in India.”

Green Design

Consumer Advice

Clark said that consumers can be environmentally conscious by being more cautious about their clothing purchases.

“Buy less and be creative with what you purchase.

Fashion is about individuality nowadays, so it offers a wealth of opportunities,” Clark said. “Be a mindful consumer, whatever and wherever you purchase. Try and find out what you are buying. Vintage and thrifting are great too, as are companies like Eileen Fisher which offer mending services.”

As Clark mentioned, buying gently used clothing is a sustainable approach. Consumers can reduce their environmental footprint by recycling and reducing waste. Examples of these stores in Carmel include The District Exchange and Goodwill.

While Miller said that she is a fan of vintage and thrift shopping, she notices that some of her peers have negative views of the practice.

“I feel like people look down on it because they’re not getting what’s new, but things cycle back into style,” Miller said. “So, keep an open mind when shopping because you can find something you wouldn’t think is there, and it’s not necessarily hard or difficult or as out of style as you think it is.”

However, despite gradual progress regarding eco-fashion in the past year, Miller said in order to significantly benefit the environment, the fashion industry needs to continue to push for consumer awareness and try to make sustainability mainstream.

“I feel like people aren’t aware of their options or what’s out there, so if we put a greater emphasis on it in fashion, people will be more aware and more willing to try to be more sustainable.”

According to Miller, the fashion teachers at CHS advocate sustainable practices whenever and wherever possible.

Miller said, “Our teachers are really big on trying to be self-sufficient and us making the most of our materials.”

Beside listening to her fashion teachers and utilizing her materials carefully, Miller said she goes the extra mile to ensure environmentally-friendly practices when working on designs.

“I buy more environmentally-friendly fabrics because it’s sometimes worth it to spend a little more. When you buy fabrics and supplies, you can check and see where they’re made,” Miller said.

“Because that’s the thing with a lot of fashion sales, they still use developing countries to do production, so it’s not necessarily environmentally friendly or human health friendly.

“I try to make sure I get cleanly produced fabrics or things from cleanly produced companies.”

However, despite her eco-fashion efforts, Miller said she still notices that some of her classmates are not environmentally conscious. She said she wishes they would realize that being sustainable is simpler than it seems.

“I think people should realize how easy being environmentally friendly is. Because not only is buying environmentally-friendly fabrics (easy), but it’s really easy to recycle what you use or just be efficient with how you use (it) because I feel like we’re really wasteful,” Senior Leah Miller Miller said. “You don’t necessarily have to spend the extra money, just be careful with what you’re actually using.”

“(Eco-fashion) is not necessarily hard or difficult or as out of style as you think it is. ”

Eco-Spending When buying eco-friendly, environmentally conscious consumers should consider the following tips:

Compiled by Claudia Huang

Reduce your environmental footprint Buy used clothes from vintage, thrift and consignment shops such as:

Purchase from environmentallyfriendly clothing lines

Purchase clothing made of ecofriendly fabrics

For an example, look at the “Conscious Exclusive” collection from H & M, which is made using recycled materials.

Man-made fabrics such as polyester require large amounts of energy and release volatile organic compounds and particulate matter into the air that are harmful to human health. Alternatives include organic cotton, which is produced in a more sustainable way.

Support local businesses and American-made products Clothing manufactured in developing countries may result in large amounts of pollution because of lenient environmental laws in those areas. Buying from local businesses and purchasing Americanmade goods serve as alternatives.

SCOTT LIU / GRAPHIC GAIAM, FASHIONISTA.COM / SOURCES

April 18, 2014

05

STEPHANIE ZHANG

Omeed Malek

Why fashion shouldn’t be as significant to us as it is right now

C

HS is relatively fashion-forward.

Because everyone has his or her own sense of style, we see a spectrum of clothing that epitomizes the diversity of our school. However, I recently witnessed a darker side emanating from this spectrum when I overheard an open conversation between my classmates.

“Did you see what she was wearing?”

“Yeah, that super bright pink sweater. I was like, ‘Hello, I think I’m going to go blind.’”

That wasn’t the first time I’ve heard somebody say something like that.

In fact, we’ve all probably commented, either verbally or mentally, on someone’s outfit.

For many, commenting on fashion is an easy avenue to judge others. It’s hard to believe that something as superficial as one’s physical appearance is frequently used to erroneously judge someone, since fashion is our easiest outlet of expressing ourselves. It provides many with a feeling of confidence and contentment, which I completely support. However, I think the undeniable truth is many people consider fashion more important than necessary.

Ever since the moment our parents stopped dressing us, we’ve been told

that we should dress properly and appropriately for whatever the occasion.

This notion has etched a part of itself into every single one of us, influencing us to unconsciously judge others based on what they’re wearing.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Although cliché, this phrase applies perfectly. Merely evaluating people by their looks and physical appearance is unfair to the person being judged; someone’s clothes can tell us a lot, but it doesn’t reveal the wearer’s true character.

Because many consider fashion more important than they should, fashion disparity can trigger misjudgment of who a person is.

People of lower economic backgrounds may not be able to afford the trendiest clothes or their personal preferences, and as a result, feel insecure when people comment on their appearance.

The purpose of clothing is to clothe oneself: what everyone wears should not be important. So whether you shop once a year or every day, the next time you see that “super bright pink sweater,” keep in mind someone’s fashion choice isn’t as important as it seems.

“For many, commenting on fashion is an easy avenue to judge others. “

Fashion is an art and form of outward expression

N

o matter how much we try to convince ourselves that we are above our animal instincts, the undeniable reality is that we are not. From an evolutionary standpoint, animals are innately programmed to judge our peers based on physical appearance factors.

This “superficial” and “judgmental” tendency is deeply rooted in the animal instinct to find a mate. Recent studies have suggested that humans form judgments within 10 seconds of observing other people based on just their outward appearance, including fashion. Henceforth, it is futile to argue that using fashion to alter one’s outward appearance causes unnecessary judgment.

Our clothing is one of the most fluid forms of our self-identity. We cannot easily change our physical features, but with fashion, we can alter our identity, temporarily changing how others perceive us.

As famed fashion designer Alexander McQueen once said, “Fashion should be a form of escapism and not a form of imprisonment.” Though McQueen is no longer living, his legacy continues to inspire

designers and fashion connoisseurs across the world. McQueen is a true inspiration to me, and my desire is to show others that fashion is not superficial but rather an intricate art form. People should embrace fashion for its uniqueness and for its ability to be art that the wearer and viewer can both interact with.

After recently purchasing a book of Alexander McQueen’s collections and designs, I have become more aware and appreciative of what goes into the process of creating clothing from a fashion house’s perspective.

An appreciation for clothing should not only apply to high-end clothes but also mass marketed clothing. The clothing on your back started as a trend during Fashion Week and has undergone hours of designing from artists across the world. With this in mind, we must all realize that fashion and clothing design is a central part of our day-to-day lives.

Not only is fashion an extension of what we are already judged upon, but it is a form of wearable art. From ready-towear fashion to haute couture fashion, clothing is a way to express originality in a nonverbal visual form, a trait that is as unique as the art that inspires it.

“Our clothing is one of the most fluid forms of our self-identity.“

It’s high fashion. You wouldn’t understand.

What the...

Swag Fashion

Swag Fashion

ALEX YU / GRAPHIC

06

ACUMEN

7 ways to wear a little black dress

Modeled by Christel Richard Photos by Nivedha Meyyappan

Pair a little black dress with some jewelry such as a necklace and bracelets. Top it off with some fancy shoes. Try flats or wedges for easier walking.

Put on a casual, cool jacket along with chunky boots to create a more formal look for a party.

For a casual yet edgy look, pair a denim jacket with a spiked necklace and a pair of combat boots.

Layer the dress with a printed sweater, necklace and a bow in the hair for a flirty, playful look.

For a more summery feel, pair a lace crop top over the dress and put on some opentoed sandals.

If you want a grungy twist, layer the dress with a fishnet top and slip on knee high socks and Mary Janes.

Try pairing the dress with studded combat boots and a tiedye cardigan for an indie feel.

Scan the QR code or go to http://goo.gl/PdXxrH to read a Q&A from junior Christel Richard who said she never repeats an outfit.

April 18, 2014

07

trends back on the block

Compiled by Sriya Ravi and Lianne Yu Graphic by Aaron Shi

With the arrival of spring comes the arrival of various fashion trends. Take, for instance, light pastels, brightly colored patterns and glowing accessories. Spring trends are generally bright and simple; combining colorful solid shades can create a look that is appropriate for this vibrant season.

Women’s Clothing: To keep things light and simple for girls, button-up shirts and denim shirts work well. Outfits can easily be dressed up or down. Button-up shirts are easy to wear and offer a clean look. Meanwhile, silk and sheer button-ups give a casual feel, and throwing on a bold-print shirt can make the look more fun.

Spring is also the time for shorts, since high-waisted shorts are a popular trend among girls in warm weather. They come in a variety of styles — ripped, patterned, neon or textured — and can be paired with simple, colored shirts to keep with the spring theme.

Men’s Clothing: Patterned flat-front shorts can also be paired up with polos, although one should be careful to maintain simplicity in the outfit.

Tees are always an option for springtime fashion; however, solid and brightly-colored polo shirts can provide guys with a way to keep up with the spring trends. Polos can be matched up with pastel-colored or flat-front shorts to create a preppy yet casual look.

Unisex Clothing: With the arrival of spring comes the arrival of new shoe options. Popular choices such as boat shoes can be fashionable depending on the look of the outfit. The right pair can be very comfortable and durable, but the shoes tend to be a little on the expensive side.

08 ACUMEN

April 18, 2014