LETTER FROM The Editors

from VIM Spring 2023

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Welcome to our Spring ‘23 issue. We’re so happy you’re here. Spring represents new beginnings and bittersweet endings. We wanted this issue of VIM to be something our graduating seniors could be proud of - a last goodbye to a passion they care so deeply about - and a project that would get our younger members even more excited to be involved. We think it’s safe to say we accomplished this, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

This semester, our annual fashion show in the Wharton Center featured 26 designers and 60 models; our largest show yet! The show’s theme, Ethereal Lush, was planned and run by the Fashion Relations team, who worked day and night to ensure the show ran smoothly for a packed house. To say we were all impressed would be an understatement.

We got to hear from incredible speakers this Spring in the industry. From celebrity stylists, entrepreneurs and influencers, a former Vogue employee, to a fashion and sustainability panel, our members were able to receive career advice, life advice and network. Thank you to all of our speakers for sharing your time with us.

The unimaginable happened at our school - our home - during one of our bi-weekly Monday meetings. Our members jumped into action to ensure each other’s safety. We are so proud and thankful our VIM community is safe, and continuing to stay Spartan Strong together. VIM has not only brought us friends, opportunities, connections and a creative outlet, but also a community. We are so grateful to the VIM and MSU alumni networks that are always willing to help fellow Spartans and see us reach the stars.

As EICs and seniors, we are so thankful to all that VIM has given us the last four years. We could not be prouder of our 60 directors, 21 teams and 100+ general members. It has been an honor having the opportunity to lead a team of such talented, creative and hard-working people; we really are one big, happy family, and we wouldn’t trade it for the world. You are what made VIM what it is today. Thank you for giving VIM your all, and then some. We are so excited to see what VIM does in the future and we will always be cheering you on.

Signing off as your EICs.

Anna Traver & Olivia Simone Xoxo,

AMERICANA with low hems and plaid

With low hems and plaid, the Americana style offers a distinct look. From tailored blazers worn by businesswomen to a school teacher’s sweater vest, aspects of Americana are a constant presence in daily wear. In looking at its origins, however, Americana was not intended for universal accessibility. When Ralph Lauren began his company in 1967, his sporty and moneyed take on tailored men and womenswear appealed to the wealthy. His collared shirts saw instant success after their debut. From simple silhouettes to intricate layering, he modernized classic styles, defining Americana. Looking back at his shows, there are noticeably recurring themes.

His Fall 2003 Ready-To-Wear line features layers on trench coats with neutral plaids, and hats to match. While the looks were not the most bold designs on the runway, they were elegant and well-fitting. This simplistic and flattering image caught the attention of top socialites and political figures, like Jackie O. and Hillary Clinton. For many years, the wealthy sported Lauren’s designs. A little polo boy on the chest signified luxury. He represented the American elite living carefree, opulent lives. Inaccessibility is what distinguished the preppy style for so long.

Now, people are reexamining Americana and looking to promote luxury in all forms, branching out and reaching each demographic. Consider cabin-core, an aesthetic that romanticizes nature and escaping from bustling industrial life to remote natural settings. Cabin-core drew traction in 2017, as people began to use plaid sweaters and the classic Ralph Lauren preppy pieces to create an outdoorsy and adventurous aura. Those who did not already have polo in their closets could go out to local thrift stores or search online for second-hand options, using what they find to participate. This trend and the popularization of thrifting has allowed everyone access to Americana items that were originally out of reach.

The American dream is ubiquitous with American life. For American fashion, promoting the accessibility of clothes can even be a medium to represent the American dream. Equality of opportunity means that everyone can create a unique style if they so choose. Without ensuring fair access, those who do not have the resources cannot fully embrace their individual vision. When clothes are accessible to all, fashion allows the American dream to become a reality. Polo may not have always intended as accessible attire, but this has changed with new interpretations of Americana, like cabin-core and vintage outdoor-based attire. As more are taking preppy wear and morphing it into a practical style, Americana can be incorporated into everyone’s fashion.