TCE April24

THECAMPUSEDIT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANALYSE JESTER AND LK COX

MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIPS BRYNLIE GRANTLAND

MARKETING CHAIRS CASEY GUMM, LAUREN BICKLE

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

CHAIR SEDA PROPES

MARKETING ASSISTANT JETTE YOUNGSTROM

PHOTOGRAPHY

HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER ANALYSE

JESTER

INTERIM LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

MARIA NAIRN

EDITORIAL

ASSISTANT EDITOR KYLIE CALDWELL

STAFF WRITERS KYLIE CALDWELL, MOLLY WATERS, SEDA PROPES, SHELBY EMERY

CREATIVE

ARTISTIC DIRECTORS ANALYSE

JESTER AND LK COX

GUEST ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

LAUREN MCCORKLE

DESIGNERS BRYNLIE GRANTLAND, CASEY GUMM

MODEL MELANIE WELBORN & CASEY GUMM

LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS

Giddy Up! We are headed out West this month to celebrate Southern Style. Wether your vibe is Memphis or Fort Worth, there are no limits to what makes something “country.” Growing up on a plot of land in Oklahoma, I’ve had my fair share of rodeos and horseback riding. There is no better feeling then busting out your boots and some turquoise for a night out.

This issue explores where southern fashion comes from and the different ways it can be styled. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it!

xoxo,

Analyse

Hello, readers! I am so excited that we will get to share this issue with you. As a native Texan, western fashion reminds me of my childhood memories of roaming grass fields, feeding cows, and riding horseback. The anticipation of getting the school off to see the rodeo every year, the smell of new leather boots, and the not-sopleasant smell of a barn. Summers of jumping into cold lakes and the Texas sun beating down on my skin, getting to share this all with you is a dream. I hope you enjoy this little snippet of my life and what makes me proud to call the “Wild West” my home.

Welcome to Dollywood!

Where the Dollywood lights shine bright, you will find a robust musical discography, sensational philanthropy work, and a wardrobe that is unique to the buxom blonde.

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born into a large family of good ol’ boy musicians deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. The southern belle had been singing all her life, and Nashville caught on to the star quickly. Dolly’s career, alongside her style, truly came to life in the 1960’s. Dolly says her look was patterned by the “Town Trollop” folks criticized, but she always believed she was overwhelmingly and artificially fabulous. And she made a fortune out of it.

A phone call to appear on the Porter Wagoner show put Dolly front and center on the screen for the first time, but she stayed there forever. Each show included a few performances, witty banter, and costume wear that demanded the screen “It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world,” she said after picking up a minor rhinestone addiction from this cast. Their chemistry on stage matched perfectly with their flashy outfits; his good oldfashioned sensibility and her new fashions went boot for boot.

Behind the seams of the country fashion icon is a rhinestone-loving star who believes in “more is more” and pays homage to the feminized take on Western wear. Pack your bags, we’re going to Dollywood!

Do It Like DOLLY

By: Kylie Caldwell

DOLLYWOOD

WELCOME TO DOLLY WOOD!

“I'm not a fashion icon, I'm an eyesore!”

Next time you find yourself asking “W.W.D.D, What would Dolly do?,”

60's 70's

Remember this: coining the term “Dolly-ize,” Dolly believes the central tenets of h style to be gaudy, flashy, fun, comfortable, and noticeable. She laughs when people call her a fashion icon, she tells Vogue. Her aesthetic excess has always been apparent, however. From the start, the country star was about doll(y-)ing herself up. Her original Cowgirl Barbie Doll look is achieved keeping the makeup bright and the clothes tight. In the 1960’s, she says she always loved the trending shift dresses, even if they were made by her mom out of a fe sack. The 1970’s were fashion-focused and Dolly although was an enigma to the South, but she’ll “take the country with her wherever she goes. Her favorite things to wear were the things that moved with her flowy dresses and oversized sleeves. Her ability to go from a hyper-sexualized look and softer, romantic ensembles is part of what deems her a style icon.

Jolene

80's

We’ve all had a Jolene. But how could a woman as idolized as Dolly Parton make her big break on a song written about being physically jealous of another woman? Her most famous song describes beauty as “beyond compare” in the lyrics “flaming locks of auburn hair, with ivory skin and eyes of emerald green,” but Dolly Parton has always worn a coat of many colors.

DOLLYWOOD

The higher the hair, the closer to Gaudy.

She always opted for maximalism: long nails, high heels, big hair. Dolly’s incredibly outgoing personality and bold voice required a wardrobe that would match, and her petite figure made it evident that just about everything else about her was massive. We’ve all heard, “the higher the hair, the closer to God,” In that case, Dolly and the legends beside her like Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn must’ve been angels.

Artificial, but real where it counts

Although her styles changed throughout the decades of her reign, one thing remained constantthe hair. Starting from the Beehives, backcombing, and teasing of the ’60s, the ’70s came with more of a curl synonymous with the clothes- whipped cream curls, more length and motion. “Q-tip” became Dolly’s nickname in the 80s because of her petite build with the puffy and tightly curled locks.

If Dolly were to run for office in Southern Tennessee, she’d probably win. (Can you imagine the pantsuits?) In a hypothetical campaign, read her book “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones” that was published just last year.

WRANGLER

A brand born to work on the range, Wrangler has etched out its place in fashion history.

Deep in rural North Carolina, in the loft above a grocery store, a western denim legend was born. Started by young C.C. Hudson, the Hudson Overall Company, before it became the Wrangler of today, had one original mission: craft quality overalls worthy of blue-collar workers. With its meteoric rise from humble beginnings to a household jean label, Wrangler is a true Southern-made success story.

This company’s growth from a rural startup to an industry powerhouse is thanks to an unexpected source: The Rodeo. Wrangler created a style of jeans tailor-fit for cowboys - The 13MWZ - to gain traction among a new audience. To solidify themselves as the jean for Rodeo, Wrangler signed World Champion Cowboy Jim Shoulders (of Henryetta, Oklahoma) as an official ambassador in 1948. With this, they won over young cowboys and cowgirls across the South. Not stopping with Rodeo, Wrangler signed on as Dale Earnhardt’s lead sponsor in 1981, garnering traction amongst NASCAR audiences.

These sports may carry certain connotations, such as ‘hillbilly’ or ‘too southern’ for mainstream popularity, but their communities’ support proved to be decisive

WRANGLER

As of 1996, Wrangler overtook to become America's #1 market s

“It’s incredible to know that our brand as their jean of these products we’re featuring that have stood the test of tim Wrangler’s undeniable ded worthy performance didn’t h cultivate a fashion following. pockets show up in po throughout the decades. For aid performance, Freddie Mer

The western roots of Wrangler provided a unique brand perspective, which they’ve used to carve out a standing within the fashion world. Even as their denim grew to be loved by Hollywood and celebrities, light-wash Wranglers. John Travolta’s Urban Cowboy (a film that defined Western Queen’s legendary live aid performance, Freddie Mercury sported icy light-wash Wranglers. John Travolta’s Urban Cowboy (a film that defined Western style for the ‘80s generation) donned the classic boot-cut blue jeans. Jennis Broyles, Wrangler VP of North America, says of these iconic moments. through the years, they never shed their core identity or values. Holding tight to the qualities that brought the humble company such wide acclaim, Wrangler continues to represent cowboy culture with Southern pride. So saddle up, and the Western takeover ensues.

ofSouthern Culture THE FASHIONABLE EFFECT

By: LK Cox

SOUTHERN FASHION

Students attending school out-of-state immerse themselves in a completely different culture. Culture is defined in many ways, but fashion is a unique reflection of everyday wear While the United States is considered a homogenous culture, the other regions often have their customs, values, social structures, and even languages. The University of Oklahoma has many students from out of state, providing a breeding ground for acculturation and ideas colliding.

A fundamental factor of a culture is the fashion that it represents. The South is no different. With its unique history of trends and fundamental values, Southern culture influences the way young women dress in Southern society. The ideas were ingrained through many years of influence and cultural cultivation, culminating in defining what it means to be a desirable woman in the South

“I dress more Southern here. There are a lot of misconceptions coming from Wyoming People think I should be more Western since I was born in the “Wild West.” People here tend to wear boots and hats, and I never did that growing up in Jackson.” said Ellie Frantz, a University of Oklahoma student from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Fashion is crucial to the life of a young Southern woman She dresses in a way that displays her values and aligns with the current trends. Appearing “put-together” is a skill taught to women at a young age. The obsession with being perfect and likable in their environment is at the forefront of young girls' minds.

Young Southern women’s dress trends and ideas are often foreign to out-of-state students Students cite the different styles of casual dress as shocking when attending OU. Athleisure, athletic wear worn as everyday clothing, is worn on a whole new level at OU. Students, especially females, often wear very similar things: leggings, tank tops, etc.

The dress style for more formal events is often categorized as having a more girlish look. With the popularity of oversized sleeves, floral prints, and bright colors, outof-state students often have to shop locally in Norman to achieve the Southern look.

There is also the idea of constantly showing off the excellent items one's family can afford. Wearing lovely jewelry and shoes is often accompanied by casual and comfortable clothes. Even if individuals cannot afford these items, they seek out copycat items that look as if they were real. Wearing fake designer jewelry and shoes allows young Southern women to appear upper-class and fit in with the masses.

SOUTHERN FASHION

“Stores like Golden Goose and Lululemon were not heard of until a couple of years ago, and even then, only the upper class will even think to purchase merchandise from there,” said Emily Swipes, a University of Oklahoma student from Wilmington, Delaware.

The idea of the Southern Bell is the perfect Southern woman full of grace and confidence. Southern Bells hold a beauty unlike no other, with refined taste and adequate social standing. Though seemingly archaic, these ideas have defined Southern fashion's statements in the modern age, affecting those who attend Southern universities

The popularity of beauty pageants in the South tremendously influenced young Southern women’s appearances. This idea of being a “fake perfect” is reflected across the board. The obsession with extreme blonde hair and fake tans are ways young Southern women express beauty unlike anywhere else. The idea of being the “perfect and beautiful” young lady, combined with the pristine outfits and the obsession with a usually owned designer, provides a way for all young women to model the upper class and look as such

For those out-of-state students who join sororities, their experience is heightened. Sororities have been a longstanding tradition of being Southern upper-class individuals. Even for those who don’t have enormous wealth, emulating the style of those who do in these societies is imperative. Joining a sorority and purchasing vast amounts of material things allows everyone to look like an upper-class Southern girl

SOUTHERN FASHION

“When coming to OU, I adopted more of a Southern look, a Southern sorority girl chic,” said Norman.

At a Southern university, game day is an event. The tailgating, the rituals, and the outfits are all a part of a game day experience. Young Southern girls use game days as an opportunity to dress to impress. Especially in the Greek life system, dressing nice for game days is a must

The idea of wearing cowboy boots as game-day footwear has influenced many out-of-state students to purchase a pair. Adding this element to their wardrobe provides a sense of Southernness. With cowboy boots and hats being homogeneous with not only Southern culture but Texas culture, adding these boots helps transform an everyday wardrobe into a Southern fashion statement.

Hallmarks of Southern fashion are unique in how they represent the Southern culture's growth. Western wear has maintained its popularity and resembles a way for everyday people to remember their region's heritage. The presence of cowboy boots and hats as every day or even formal attire is unique to this region of the United States. While many places have Western roots, this style is a defining influence on Southern fashion and not a statement to wear for specific events.

Southern culture is often defined by its people’s political opinions, accents, and history, but it is much more. A rich culture developed uniquely to reflect the environment surrounding individuals, Southern fashion is a hallmark of Southern culture.

The influence Southern culture has on the fashion of educational institutions is formidable. This fact influences out-of-state students who attend Southern universities such as the University of Oklahoma to change how they dress and their fashion choices.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE OKLAHOMA

MAY 2ND & 3RD AT 8

MAY 4TH AT 3

Photo by Travis Caperton

RUNWAY FROM RED DIRT TO THE

NEW YORK – A cowboy, a Korean-American and a determined self-starter are among the Oklahoma-made models whose careers are taking them across the world.

Last month, Ronnie Davis of Oklahoma City didn’t realize he was made for modeling. The rancher, calf-roper and Pony Express Player (which is a ranchrodeo version of a horse race) was chosen to walk in the Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week Show, which celebrated Western fashion. Organizers invited many working cowboys to add authenticity to the show, including Taylor Williams of Oklahoma City.

“It meant a lot to embark on this journey to Paris, for one, I had never been out of the country but I knew that it would bring you exposure to what I did here back at home as well as the cowboy world and the rodeo scene,” Davis said.

RED DIRT

Davis was already a rodeo competitor before he decided to model, which allowed him to endorse Western brands such as Wrangler. But Louis Vitton was not on his radar for 2024.

“It showed us in the cowboy world that we weren't necessarily being taken lightly, they wanted to give us that credit as well," Davis said.

“I was like, I have to do this…not only for me, but I need to do this for the fellow Oklahomans, their fellow cowboys out of Oklahoma, just to show them no matter what, never settle.”

Honored to work with Louis Vuitton, Davis said he wants to continue exploring the world of fashion He was unable to attend New York Fashion Week because of his ranch duties back home, but Western designs were well-represented on the runway this year.

“Now I say I am interested in doing something like this again, but Louis Vuitton set the bar pretty high,” Davis said.

Lara Park, who grew up in Edmond, said she was scouted while in high school by Brink Models of Oklahoma City, and is now walking for top fashion designers.

“I got lucky with the timing where I got signed with the local agency in my hometown, and then a New York

agent happened to be in town scouting,” Park said

“After I got signed, I didn't have an opportunity to even get myself involved with the Oklahoma community, just like, be in town scouting,” Park said.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Park moved to New York to pursue her career in modeling. Believing in herself and her capabilities, she was determined to achieve her dreams.

“The collective things that I'm super proud of, is being able to work with incredible designers here in New York, such as Chanel, and working with brands that I never thought I'd be able to work with,” Park said.

“I can look back on this moment (NewYork Fashion Week) like, wow, I've really just had my mind expanded onto what makes fashion possible, what makes art art.”

RED DIRT

“I can look back on this moment (New York Fashion Week) like, Wow, I've really just had my mind expanded onto what makes fashion possible, what makes art art.”

Park will graduate in the spring from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and will continue to model. Celebrating both her family heritage, from Korea, and her childhood in Oklahoma, Park is ready to venture out and see the world.

“It took me to this point in my life to find what home means to me, and it's more in people and also in myself,” she said.

Park said she is excited about the rise of diversity in the modeling industry, with more designers featuring a variety of races and body types in their shows

Claira Grace Kraft, another Oklahoman, had dreamed of walking the runway since she was a little girl. Growing up with a photographer as a sister, she was no stranger to the camera

“From a very young age, I was always kind of in front of the camera,” Kraft said. “And over the years as I got super tall, I realized that I had a passion for modeling and I had a passion for creating something, something that was bigger than myself and I decided that I really wanted to pursue that ”

Beginning her childhood in California, it felt like her options were endless. But when she was 10 years old her family moved to Oklahoma. Kraft started to feel helpless in achieving her dream career, although she was determined to find her way into the spotlight.

Kraft realized she needed to pave her own way if she was going to become a model. Using social media as her main networking tool, she found other Oklahoma creatives.

Through her time spent in Oklahoma, she realized there is a lot of talent in the state.

RED DIRT

Reaching out and collaborating with other creatives, Kraft built up her portfolio. With determination and willingness, she was able to conquer what felt like hopelessness.

Kraft said she understands the importance of self-confidence and support in this field

Modeling for New York Fashion Week in September, she received a taste of the big city and would love the opportunity to live there, although for now she's trying the scene in California.

“I think it's very important not to be intimidated and to know that we can support each other. And everybody is different and unique and beautiful in their own way,” Kraft said.

Photos provided by models.

“As long as you keep going and you keep trying, you're going to make it in one way or another.”

THE LATEST WITH LK

WESTERN

FURS AND PRINTS

From mob wife to animal print, furs, and leathers have been all the rage. For those of us in love with the Western style, these fabrics have never gone out of style. Fur vests are the perfect accessories for a simple jean outfit with a pointed-toe boot. A long leather skirt or a pair of animal print shorts, the Western style has become mainstream.

BOOT CUT

When skinny jeans became the biggest fashion faux pa are skinny lovers turned to the forever flattering boot cut jeans. The tight top and relaxed bottom shows off the length of the leg allowing you to wear a range of shoe styles For those of us who grew up wearing bootcut to fit over our boots, this style is here to stay.

WESTERN

TURQUOISE

This South-Western staple has a cult following with a rich history in Native jewelry-making; Turquoise is not only a piece of history but a fashionable accessory that is eye-catching and bright. The brightness of this stone is the perfect accessory with a dark colors or neutral outfits seen so favorably in the Western style.

THANKS FOR READING

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