but their popularity in America started during the Civil War Era when they became the typical garment for the frontiersman or railroad workers. The best-known model of this look is Paul Bunyan, a fashion icon, apparently. The modern flannel trend emerged from the introduction of grunge when Nirvana took America by storm in the 1990s. The simple fact is rural communities are rarely the fashion industry’s target audience. Businesses want to promote where there is money and customers guaranteed. Just outside Athens, there is a store whose target audience is rural communities. Ohio native, Coral
Wedel, is a designer and has a store just outside of Athens. Her company uses safe methods of production and has taken a Zero Waste Pledge with Rural Action, along with many other Athens businesses including Donkey Coffee, Avalanche Pizza, Jackie O’s, and Casa Nueva. Her business, Coral Marie, is also all solar powered. While large companies and corporations enter cities, rural areas commonly have smaller, locally owned shops that provide a unique experience and often higher quality. Department stores are everywhere. It is the kind of department store that varies. In cities and suburbs, the popular WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 177