TCE VII

MAY JUNE 2024

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

EDITORIAL

ASSISTANT EDITOR KYLIE CALDWELL

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

CREATIVE

ARTISTIC DIRECTORS ANALYSE JESTER AND LK COX

DESIGNERS BRYNLIE GRANTLAND, CASEY GUMM

MODEL MELANIE WELBORN & CASEY GUMM

LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS

Fasten your seatbelt's, we are going International! Our May, Juner issue is celebrating fashion from all around the world and we are so excited for you to read!

You can view stories about Armenian, Vietnamese, Colombian, Costa Rican and Nigerian fashion. See what textures, colors and patterns inspire those from around the world We hope you love this issue as much as we loved creating it!

xoxo,

Analyse

This issue highlights Normans finest, showcasing that new experiences don’t have to come from lengthy study abroad trip but can come from learning about our peers and friend's stories.

Welcome to our latest issue, where we traverse the globe to bring you the vibrant tapestry of international fashion. From the bustling streets of Milan to the colorful markets of Mumbai, join us as we explore how culture, art, and tradition weave together to create the world's most exquisite expressions.

ARMENIA

Expressing tastes and preferences through fashion is an omnipresent concept that stretches past oceans, borders, and time. About 6,500 miles away from Norman, Oklahoma, is Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. The Armenian woman has historically used traditional dress for selfexpression and spearheaded cultural trends that society followed.

Armenia is neighbored by Georgia, Turkey, Iran, and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus Historically, Armenia was involved in the trade of domestic labor goods, including spinning, weaving, and dying cloth to sew costumes These costumes evolved through trade and influences from other cultures. With the circulation of leather goods and silk among Armenian populations in the 2nd and 3rd Centuries B.C., unique patterns, accessories, and fabrics added to the look of Armenian costumes. These traditional costumes, or “taraz” in Historic Armenia, varied depending on the wearer’s social class, age, and the context in which the costume was worn. Although contemporary Armenians no longer wear costumes, children, and adults wear them for traditional folk dance performances worldwide

In the early 1970s, the Armenian Cultural Club of Tehran, Iran, fabricated an exhibition that showcased Armenian costumes throughout time My grandma, an Armenian who grew up in Tehran, attended this exhibit and gave me firsthand experiences and insight into the show. The exhibition was made into the book The Costumes of Armenian Women, which explores the traditional dress over hundreds of years and draws costume inspiration from historical sketches and paintings. Below are examples of conventional Armenian dress from the exhibition catalog, taken from various historical times and contexts.

ARMENIA

Lady From Davrej (18th Century)

This costume incorporates contrasting tones of bright reds and light blues. The skirt fabric has an intricate pattern with a European flair, and the ensemble is complete with a leather wrap belt and embellishments around the neckline. The kot, or headdress, is characterized by fabric dyed in “the famous Armenian crimson, a distinctive color traded by merchants far and wide ”

This costume is characterized by clean lines and simple colors, representing a literarily and economically advanced society. A brown leather belt fastens the pleated skirt and drapes yellow cloth. The woman holds a plaque of the Armenian alphabet, written and established in the early 5th Century.

This bridal dress incorporates the traditional Armenian crimson fabric with gold embellishments and lace. Although these details seem ornate, according to The Costumes of Armenian Women, they were widely utilized in conventional dress, regardless of status. It was familiar and famous for all classes to enjoy intricate clothing design, especially since these women often made their clothing. The bridal dress has a few unique characteristics: the veiled kot and a surplus of jewels, gold, and delicate fabrics woven with precious metals to produce a glittering effect, as the bridal gown was a recognized work of art, an extension of the bride’s beauty

Citizen Woman from Talin (5th-6th Century A.D.)

Shamakh (19th Century)

Confidence in culture, Understanding Fashion

By: Analyse Jester

NIGERIA

Growing up as a Nigerian in the United States, Kelechi Okeke could describe her experience in one word, “Lucky.”

A current biochemistry major at the University of Oklahoma, Kelechi Okeke is grateful to honor her culture in her everyday life here in the states.

“I pretty much have been celebrating my culture since I was a little kid,” Okeke said.

Living in Houston, Texas her whole life, Kelechi was surrounded by a large Nigerian population, allowing Okeke to embrace her family's culture and learn how to properly celebrate the Nigerian way.

Community, music, and food, all important elements of her culture, the Ibo tribe of Nigeria. Okeke visited her village a few years ago and got to experience first-hand the true meaning of community.

and

For the Igbo tribe, bright and bold is almost always the answer.

Coral, the color of the Igbo tribe. Many members of the tribe display bright coral beads, also described as “red bangles ”

The beads, which can be used for all forms of jewelry including necklaces and waistbeads, were once a sign of high status or even royalty It was believed the coral beads could protect those against curses.

Now, the beads are often worn by brides to bring good fortune. The coral beads are represented across the tribe and are a significant part of the tribe's attire.

“I feel like that [color] really symbolizes us,” Okeke said. “Men and women, they both wear it, it's just a big symbol of Igbo culture.”

Another important aspect of Igbo fashion would be the headdress or the “Ichafu.” Women can be seen styling their Ichafu’s at special occasions, gatherings and events.

“I just want people to know we are a good country,” Okeke said.

Proud of where she came from, and excited to see where she goes, Okeke honors her heritage even though she is thousands of miles away. Displaying the beauty of her tribe, Okeke celebrates her culture.

In these photos, Okeke can be seen wearing a traditional Igbo bridesmaids dress

COSTA RICA

Nicole Huckaby is a proud Costa Rican woman who wears it on her sleeve- and in her dresses, accessories, and shoes. She is featured as a model in this month’s issue of The Campus Edit.

Huckaby was born in Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast and advocates for belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusivity. She incorporates traditional Costa Rican couture in some non-traditional ways.

Looking closer into Costa Rican clothing, one can see that they are decorated with colors that typically match the flag or ornate floral patterns Dressing for the climate is also necessary; what we may know as “beach attire” is their day-to-day. Even more profoundly, because of the humid environment on the mainland, most want (and are advised) to keep it light and airy. Nicole considers Florals very prevalent in Costa Rican fashion- in all articles of clothing, like tanks, tops, and dresses. However, the floral patterns in the States are not as detail-oriented as those of traditional Costa Rican designers. Nicole says she doesn't think there is just one aesthetic in the U S , where it's easier to be focused on more tropical clothing design or a esthetics in a dense climate. Where climate and attitudes vary, so does the attire.

When on the beach, locals and tourists alike will find sundresses and linen sets paired with woven wedge sandals or heels, most with floral appliques Beach shops are riddled along the coast and stocked with suitable handmade, woven, or leather bags. Huckaby has carefully curated a collection of her favorite Costa Rican pieces from these shops. Still, it’s naturally disappointing for her to tell people that when they ask where a piece is from.

Unfortunately, the quest for more traditional Costa Rican dresses or patterns in the U.S. is a challenging one, often requiring custom-made solutions This scarcity only adds to the allure and exclusivity of these cultural fashion pieces.

Nicole feels more connected to her culture when she wears more traditional Costa Rican attire and so does her family She frequently makes calls back home, and when she does so wearing a piece of her culture, she is overwhelmed with homely compliments about her beauty. She believes there is something special about honoring your ancestors and the women who created fashion before us.

“You know, we remake trends all the time. I think it helps bring a little piece of home with me.”

Incorporating Muslim culture and Hispanic attire is also a challenge Nicole faces with beauty and grace.

Being surrounded by her hometown shops helps, though. Here, she can find light kimonos, floral cover-ups, or shawls to find an intersection of culture. In the lens of fashion, many Hispanic cultures are very similar. Florals, embroidery, and beading are seen in Asian cultures as well

“I think it's a web,” Huckaby said, “interlinked in some way connected by all of these cultures' love for fashion.”

Although not a tropical getaway or trip back home, Nicole will find herself in a white coat this Summer, doing research and building her wardrobe online

VIETNAM

Caren Ho grew up admiring her mothers

mother’s sense of style, influenced mainly by the sleek fashion of the early 2000s As an adult, she has come to emulate her mother’s simplistic yet chic fashion sense and does so in a way that honors her Vietnamese heritage.

As a child, Ho said she used fashion to formulate a sense of identity separate from her culture. She grew up in the Dallas, Fort Worth area and lacked a solid Asian American community until she entered high school.

“I struggled a lot with my identity growing up, like just growing up in Texas where I wasn't really in a diverse area, “I kind of used my sense of style to deviate from my heritage… I didn't grow up with a solid community around me until I was a lot older.”

As she grew older, Ho’s relationship with her family deeply connected her with Vietnamese culture. Because of her parents’ work schedules, she spent the day under the care of her grandmother, who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1990s.

“I grew up on her cooking, speaking the language, and learning what her life was like before immigrating to America. It built a strong foundation for understanding my identity as a firstgeneration American.”

“Because she was always taking care of me, I was completely immersed in my Vietnamese heritage,”

Now, as a senior at the University of Oklahoma, Ho strives to integrate her heritage into her daily uniform, seeking accessories and silhouettes representing Asian culture.

Many of her pieces, such as jade bracelets and gold jewelry, were passed down as heirlooms from her grandmother.

“I think they’re an avenue to understand the world around us and the history that brought us to where we are today. When I wear these pieces, I feel like a part of my family’s history, and I’m carrying on tradition despite being thousands of miles away.”

Ho’s eyes are on Asian fashion designers who modernize the traditional clothing the women in her family grew up wearing.

Ho said she has noticed a resurgence of modernizing the Ao Dai, Vietnam's national traditional dress. It consists of a long tunic worn over cotton or silk pants, typically worn during Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

“For a long time. It's been like very elaborate, intricate floral designs…but many companies have been making more modern, elevated versions. I think that's just something I've never seen before, and I'm excited to participate.”

COLOMBIA

Revival EmbracingTexturedHair

In this month’s international fashion edit, the gorgeous Daniella Pallares is representing the Republic of Colombia The model hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma, but is also connected to her Colombian heritage and discusses how this has impacted her fashion journey.

“I was obsessed with watching Shakira perform and dance. I owned several of her concert videos and loved how she stayed true to herself and culture with her outfits and hair.”

Similar to Dani herself, Colombian fashion holds a fusion of different styles, which is due to the varying geographic regions the country is home to – ranging all the way from beaches to mountains. Above all, however, Colombian fashion is characterized by artisanal artistry, vibrant patterns, and intricate detail-work.

With many fashion-lovers, the earliest memories of clothing from childhood have an impact on their style for the rest of their lives.

“I was obsessed with watching Shakira perform and dance. I owned several of her concert videos and loved how she stayed true to herself and culture with her outfits and hair.”

Vogue France describes Shakira’s signature look as a specific and timeless formula of low waist bottoms paired with crop tops In having Shakira as a fashion icon, Dani adores the look of the Y2K styles that she rose to stardom in.

COLOMBIA

The current fashion landscape really caters to this time period.

“I’m excited about the new era of 2000’s and vintage pieces coming back, such as the low waisted jeans.”

International fashion is not just about localized fashion trends, but also the relationships different cultures have with clothing as a result from their ethnicity’s physical attributes A trademark of Dani’s Colombian roots is her hair; It is long, thick, and curly – an envious combination. Seeing Shakira proudly sport her natural hair was important for Dani to see representation of voluminous, textured hair within pop culture

“At times I felt my hair could draw away from an outfit.”

So on days when she wants to highlight her ensembles, she has loved embracing the slick-back hair trend. This is a testament to the globalization of fashion leading to fusion of trends across cultures.

This summer, our eyes will be on Dani as she heads to Arezzo, Italy for study abroad

We can’t wait to see her create fashion moments as she brings Colombian flair to Mediterranean style.

THE LATEST WITH LK

SUMMER

THE FABRIC IS THE STATEMENT

Color and pattern are no longer everything about an outfit. Fabric plays a huge roll in the texture and look of any ensemble. Summer fashion highlights different fabrics in simple colors to let the shape and drapery stand out as the key features.

SUMMER

FLORALS

Florals for Spring/Summer, shocking. They are a warm weather staple Invest in good pieces and keep them for a lifetime Buy something new in trending colors. Think pinks and yellows this season but don’t wear anything that clashes with your skin tone

SUMMER

OFF THE COURSE

The preppy off-the-course aesthetic is none other than a country club derivative, which highlights athletic wear without looking like loungewear. Structured cotton polos and clean sneakers makes everyone look like the just had a day playing tennis in the rolling countryside

THANKS FOR READING