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Fashion, a question of personality

Students project a diversity of styles at City College

Veronica A. Catlin | Staff Writer
catlinv@imail.losrios.edu

City College students (left to right) Kristina Fong, Lamar Cohen and Tiana Bernard flaunt their individual fashion styles Aug. 31. Photo by Terri M. Venesio

There’s no such thing as fitting in at City College. From fishnet stockings to ripped jeans, every individual represents a unique fashion style.

If one were to go out to the Quad, he or she would be bombarded with the walking displays of colors, fabrics, patterns, styles and originality. At one end of the campus there can be a person wearing brand name and designer clothing while at another there may be someone donning religious-themed clothes.

“The beauty of this campus is all of the diversity [in fashion]”, says fashion professor Lynne Giovannetti. Giovannetti has been studying fashion on campus for 25 years and has seen a wide array of trends and styles students have used and created. “Whatever you’re wearing is your style. That’s your individuality.”

She believes fashion is one of the reasons students enjoy showing up on campus.

Many students and faculty say that if everyone all dressed the same, it would be boring, and students would be less likely to enjoy coming to school everyday. Luckily though, this isn’t an issue at City College.

There are distinct ways for students to express themselves in a way that they feel comfortable.

Now to test this fashion theory, the Express went out to the quad of City College to hear from students about the reality of the diversity of fashion found on campus.

Business major Lamar Cohen says, “I represent hip-hop.”

For Cohen, an average ensemble consists of braided hair, layered T-shirts, denim jeans, high-top shoes and a jewel-encrusted- chain. Though his wardrobe consists of what some may consider “flashy clothes,” he does not feel uncomfortable or out of place.

Besides hip-hop fashion there are other fashion trends in abundance on the City College campus.

“My style of choice is vintage,” explains criminal justice major Tiana Bernard. According to Bernard, vintage is a style of clothing that originated in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but is still worn by today’s generation.

“I’ll wear vintage dresses, flat shoes, riding boots, skinny jeans, etc,” Bernard says. “It’s definitely not for comfort, but I love the fabrics and colors. You can get well-made garments that are very affordable.”

Vintage is a popular trend that will likely still be worn in the years to come, says Bernard.

Although there are many different groups and styles, students don’t have to put themselves in any one category.

“I like to stand out without looking obnoxious” says undecided major Kristina Fong about her unique choice of style. “I’ll wear whatever’s attractive: tights, hanging tank tops, flats, big sunglasses, big hair, it just varies. Your style doesn’t have to fit into any specific genre. It’s all about how you carry yourself.”