permanent press

permanent press

EXCLUSIVE!Interview with Abby and Katie of Smak Parlour!

First Issue!

Letter from the Editor2

Welcome to the first issue of Permanent Press Magazine! Permanent Press is a new project created by Drexel students

who saw a hole in the offerings of publications on campus. With such a large design school, how have fashion and style become relegated to little sections of Drexel’s major publications? We as a staff want to change that! We want to start a dialogue about style among DU students to make this world accessible to everyone. Most importantly, Permanent Press and our staff want to get to know Drexel students; we want to know what you go through as a student body with varying interests and majors. We want to know your opinions, your likes and your dislikes.

So take a look inside! We have worked very hard this past term to bring you the premiere issue of Permanent Press Magazine. Find your classmates in our Street Style section or your favorite stars in Celeb Style. Get to know Drexel alumni Abby and Katie, the owners of Smak Parlour, an amazing Old City boutique. Meet your fellow students who are Locked and Loaded, working toward their dreams in music and business and becoming Rising Stars.

And when you’re done learning all about your fellow Dragons, be sure to check us out on the web for style updates and news about our next issue! Go to PermanentPressMag.tumblr.com or follow us at @PermPressMag! And please write to us at PermanentPressMag@gmail.com because we want your opinions and suggestions for upcoming issues!

All opinions expressed are solely those of the Permanent Press staff and writers. Permanent Press is in

no way affiliated with Drexel University. This is an independently created publication.

Enjoy!Aubrey NagleEditor-in-Chief@aubsn

permanent press

In ThisStreet Style - Photographer Jenn Dickman roams campus to find Drexel’s hottest outfits.

Celebrity Style - Our favorite stars shine on the red carpet during award season.

A Walk in Their Shoes - We follow one of our peers through their biggest project yet!

Our Faves - The staff of Permanent Press dishes on their favorite beauty products.

Oh, We Notice - Women’s clothing and all its mysteries told from a guy’s perspective!

Exclusive - An interview with Drexel graduates, Abby and Katie of Smak Parlour in Old City!

Locked and Loaded - Melody Nielsen gets to know two of Drexel’s hottest bands, W.C. Lindsay and Era.

Rising Stars - We get to know entrepreneurial students running their own clothing biz.

Spring Fever - Check out this season’s new trends!

Wear in the World - Vinayak Kalani brings us to India to learn about the fashion of other cultures.

Guys, Listen Up - A woman’s approach to guy style.

Do’s & Don’ts - Learn the yes and the no of wearing a bun!

Issue4812

2220

24303336404142

3

Street StyleOur photographer Jenn Dickman scoured the streets of Drexel between classes looking for this season’s best-dressed students! From skirts on nicer “winter” days to bundled-up looks, Jenn found them all. Look out for her on campus when you’re dressed your best, and check out your stunning peers on the streets!

Left: Zee Li. Finance, Grad Student.

Right: Fan Jia. Design and Merchandising, Freshman.

Left: Taylor Murphy. Design and Merchandising, Sophomore.

Far Left: Shan Wu. Business, Freshman.

4

permanent press

Street StyleLeft: Jaclyn Fleurant. Design and Merchandising, Freshman.

Far Left: Erin Kurs. International Area Studies, Freshman.

Below: Crystal, Dani, and Miya. Business, Freshmen.

Right: University of Pennsylvania students (and proclaimed Drexel Supporters!) Jess Bergman, English, and Abbey Case, Political Science.

5

Clockwise from top left:Mc Sokolowski. Entertainment and Arts Management, Sophomore.Barbara Hionides. Design & Merchandising, Senior.Bianca Sheth. Architectural Engineering, Freshman. Keira Wingert. Graphic Design, Freshman. (In front of Smak Parlour, page 24!)Keith Mussee. Biomedical Engineering, Freshman.

6

permanent press

Top, from left to right:Kate Wilt. Design & Merchandising, Senior. Paul Rudd look-alike Christian Borgmeyer. Accounting, Freshman. Hannah LaHood. Communications, Senior.

Right:Courtney Rosen. Design & Merchandising, Freshman. •

Above, our street style photographer Jenn Dickman! Check her out on the web at fashiondeathtrap.tumblr.com

7

Celebrity StyleIt’s award season! That means major celebs in major outfits. Celebs are made up by the best

stylists, so they are a great forecast of the trends to come! All photos courtesy of Stylelist.com

Brights!

Loud colors stand out on the red carpet but they are hard to pull off, even for the stars! The ultimate way to wear a bold hue is by keeping it simple. A single hue in a flattering cut will keep you on the best dressed list. Clockwise from top left: the folds near Natalie Portman’s waist showed her great figure at the Golden Globes. Viola Davis had everyone seeing green in her fit-and-flare gown at the Oscars while Michelle Williams wore a hot, on trend, and figure-flattering peplum. Ariel Winters chose a spunky (and age-appropriate) purple and black number to represent Modern Family at the Golden Globes while Jessica Chastain picked a safe silhouette and hair do but stunned in a not-so-safe cerulean blue at the SAG awards!

8

permanent press

Jewel TonesThese gem hued gowns are like the big sisters of the bright girls! They make a statement but are more subtle and grown up. Clockwise from right: Penelope Cruz shined in a retro ball gown and Maya Rudolph showed off her waist at the Oscars. Sofia Vergara’s mermaid dress hugged her curves and Laura Dern’s emerald number sparkled at the Golden Globes. Tina Fey turned the peplum from girly to glam at the Oscars!

9

White

The great thing about white gowns is that you can pull off unexpected silhouettes and detailing! Clockwise from left: Octavia Spencer dazzled in beaded details that show off her curves at the Oscars, Angelina Jolie’s splash of red called attention to her face at the Golden Globes. At the Oscars Milla Jovovich used graphic draping to play up her white frock while Gwyneth Paltrow stunned in a form-fitting column and cape!

10

permanent press

Classic Black

Everyone knows the secrets of the LBD (the LONG black dress!): it’s super slimming and it can be sexy and classy at once! Clockwise from left: Rhianna’s slit and deep-V looked hot at the Grammys. Rooney Mara’s strappy dress stood out at the Golden Globes. Ashlee Simpson surprised at the SAG awards in a retro look (and just for being there) while Rose Byrne shined in her sequined, ruched piece at the Oscars and Adele showed off her signature style in a modest silhouette at the Grammys. •

11

It’s A

permanent press

ProcessIt’s A

We each have our struggles and studies to get through, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in another person’s shoes? What about in another major’s shoes?Permanent Press was able to walk a mile in the shoes of Erica Lang, a Fashion Design graduate student. In the first of a recurring series looking to bring to light the lives of those we pass every day on campus, Permanent Press learned quite a thing or two about the Fashion Design program. Let’s just say, it’s a process.All photos this story by Kerri Sullivan.

A Walk in Their Shoes

Getting To Know EricaPermanent Press So Erica, how did you decide on Fashion Design as your focus when you came to Drexel University?Erica Lang I have always been fascinated with fashion, but for a long time I wasn’t sure if I wanted to commit to an intensive, fashion-focused program. So, I ended up pursuing a liberal arts education for my undergraduate work and came out with a studio art and French degree. I guess at that point I had lingering curiosity about fashion design as a career, so I decided that I’d go back to school to learn about the craft and the industry.

PP What has your time at Drexel been like thus far?EL So far I’ve learned a lot. It’s like learning a new language—you can have a lot of great ideas, but in order to effectively convey a vision, it is usually essential to have a good foundation about how different elements are put together. In fact, I’ve found that the more

familiar I become with the technical aspects of design, the more creative I can be.

PP What are your favorite parts about Drexel and your program?EL One great thing about the fashion program at Drexel is that it’s so technically-oriented. The hands-on practice engineering patterns and problem solving translates into being able to recognize design challenges at the sketching stage and utilizing our resources to address those challenges in the construction phase.

PP ...And what are your least favorite parts?EL I do wish we had more space in the

Erica Lang

13

building and more accessible resources, but I’m told once the department moves into the URBN Center, they will have all of those things.

PP Tell us about yourself. What are your interests?EL I like traveling and trying new things, spending time with family and friends, and I wish I made more time for painting and Bikram yoga.

PP How would you describe your personal style?

EL My aesthetic is rooted in a classic sensibility, but I do like a little bit of edge. I think less is more, but I value a good statement piece.

PP Who are your favorite designers and why?EL I love Carolina Herrera, Valentino, and Galliano. They all have classic, refined elements to their designs but also bring an element of drama (to varying degrees for each). I am always pleased to see something new each season without being overwhelmed with a hyper-modern point of view.

PP What is your go-to outfit, your “uniform” so to speak?EL A dress, leggings, and Rainbows (or boots if it’s too cold or wet). Comfort is a priority. There is a lot of black in my closet because it’s easy, but sometimes I’ll change it up with a bright color or print. It really depends on the season.

PP What is your style philosophy?EL I guess it’s to wear what makes you feel good. I support art for art’s sake, but I also appreciate practicality and comfort.

PP How many pieces are you creating for your collection?EL Five looks—five dresses and a coat—all eveningwear.[Graduate students like Erica need a minimum of five looks while undergraduates need a minimum of three!]

PP What pieces and looks does your collection consist of?

Close-ups of Erica’s inspiration board, shown on the opposite page. Erica also used fabric swatches (top) and interior designs featuring the colors used in Grant Wiggins’ paintings (bottom).

Making the Collection

14

permanent press

The inspiration board Erica created for her collection. Her collection was inspired by Grant Wiggins, the minimalist painter, whose work is featured above. Erica says she was drawn to the linearity of Wiggins’ work for inspiration.

EL There are four long dresses and one long evening coat with a short dress underneath as a little surprise.

PP Can you describe the process for creating your collection? How do move from your sketches to the finish product, from start to finish?EL For inspiration, I started with some Grant Wiggins minimalist paintings that I really responded to and broke down the elements of the paintings that drew me in. I realized I was drawn to the limited palettes and

linearity of these paintings. After going fabric shopping and finding a lot of black and white graphic prints, I realized that out of all the paintings, I was responding strongest to the monochromatic palettes.

I came up with five basic silhouettes that went along with the linear and graphic character of my inspiration, and after sketching many versions of each, I picked the five that I most responded to. This process helped me realize my inspiration and concept further; my collection became more about bold, statement

15

pieces with strong contrast and concise design.

The process continued with more sketching and paring down silhouettes and details that I didn’t feel good about, and for me it became about getting to the essence of what my aesthetic is about and what I wanted my collection to be about. Once I had my “final” five sketches, the designs only really solidified once they were completely in final fabric. Even in the muslin [the fabric used for preliminary construction] stage, seeing the silhouette on the body was sometimes slightly different than I expected and so I modified the design. The designs are constantly changing as I come up with new and better ways of conveying my concept.

PP Tell us about your collection. How would you describe it as a whole?EL My collection is a bold group of eveningwear looks that are modern but influenced strongly by classic silhouettes.

PP What made you choose eveningwear for your collection? EL After making all different kinds of garments during my time at Drexel, I found that dress design, or more specifically eveningwear design, is most exciting to me. Maybe it is because I am more conservative in my own everyday style, but relish the opportunity to be a little bolder and more expressive on special occasions than I do on an everyday basis.

PP What are the worst and best parts about creating your collection?EL I love sketching and re-sketching looks, modifying details, changing colors, trying to develop new solutions to the problem. This part of the process also involves figuring out how to engineer the ideas in final fabric. The practice of actually patterning and executing these creative solutions can sometimes be draining, but seeing the end product makes it worth the entire process.

PP Your class starts in December and moves through spring, how long is the entire process?EL Concept to finished look, it’ll take about five months for five looks. Each look is different, though. Some take longer than others to construct, and some take longer than others to develop in terms of design. For example, I drew my first look twice before I reached a final design, but this last look has been redrawn at least fifty times and it’s still not final.

16

permanent press

Two of Erica’s final sketches...

...and brought to life in beautiful fabric!

The ProcessTake a look inside the process of going from inspiration to real creation! Erica started out with many sketches of different styles and silhouettes (left) eventually narrowing it down to a few sketches complete with fabric swatches (below). Then Erica turned those final sketches into real clothes. Check out two of her completed looks below!

The sketches above became these detailed looks!

17

A close up of Erica’s final collection sketch. Though many of these sketches went through multiple iterations before making it to this stage, they never stop evolving. As Erica begins creating the garments she meets challenges and new inspirations that mean these looks are always changing.

PP What is the scariest part about graduating soon?EL Deciding where to live or what I want to do. I’m from California so I want to end up back west eventually, but I don’t know that I’m ready to leave the east coast just yet. Honestly though, I’m so wrapped up in my collection at

the moment, I don’t make time to worry about it yet.

PP What do you want to do after graduation, your ultimate career goal?EL Honestly, I just want to work somewhere that has a positive and supportive working environment where I can be creative and design/construct beautiful things. Ultimately, I would like to work for a designer whose

Things to Come

18

permanent press

aesthetic I admire or maybe even work for myself as a design consultant.

PP Whose career do you admire most?EL I love that Ralph Rucci is so successful while being true to himself and to his own aesthetic. His designs are extremely artistic with an

attention to detail and an intellectual influence rooted in art, history, and philosophy. He is uncompromising in his design choices, doesn’t necessarily follow trends that appeal to the market, and seems uninterested in politics of the industry. That is such a hard thing to do today, and I admire that he does it well and with confidence.

PP What did you want to be when you were little? Is it the same today?EL My ambitions ranged from ballerina to surgeon to CEO in the young years of my life,

and none of those appeal to me whatsoever anymore. Now, my aspirations are much vaguer. I don’t know that I’m striving to hold a specific job, but I know I want to work with people and do something creative.

PP What advice would you give to yourself when you were a freshman?EL Sometimes what you’re “supposed” to do in class doesn’t necessarily coincide with what you’re interested in doing. Find a way to make the most of it for your own sake even if it’s not your favorite work. An art professor once told me, “It doesn’t really matter what you draw or how perfect every single drawing is. What’s really important is that you keep drawing.”•

To learn more about Kerri Sullivan, the photographer for this story, visit KerriSullivan.com.

19

Our Faves!

This comb makes cutting one’s own hair possible.“

“

The Permanent Press staff brings you our favorite beauty and grooming products -- from combs to Clinque, it’s all here!

Jilbere Precision Cut Comb, $4.49, Kaboodle.com

Kenn

eth

Che

n

Julia Rose

Olay Complete Moisturizer,

$8.99, CVS.com

I love my Olay Complete Moisturizer. I put it on

every night before I go to bed and it leaves my skin

feeling super smooth!

“ “

Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream Gel, $4.29, garnierusa.com

I’ve been using this stuff for the past two years and it’s the only product that defines and defrizzes my

curls while leaving them soft and pliable. Plus, everyone always says my hair smells

good!

“

“

Mel

ody

Nie

lsen

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Colour Balm, $16, clinique.com

This Chubby Stick is my favorite lip color by far. It glides on easily, its just the right amount of color, and it feels amazing on. My favorite is Woppin’

Watermelon!

“ “

Aub

rey

Nag

le

20

permanent press

Jenn Dickman

I don’t normally differ much from the basic natural makeup, but for when I want to have a little fun or add a pop of color to my all black ensemble, I am

obsessed with the Stila Lip and Cheek Stain in Acai Crush. It’s the perfect hot pink shade with

a hint of dark purple, applies easily, and has just the right

amount of shine. Added bonus: it smells amazingly tropical.

“

“

Stila Lip and Cheeck Stain in

Acai Crush, $24, Stilacosmetics.com

Everything by Angel Face Botanicals. I own a handful of products. They are handmade, eco-friendly, and almost 100% organic. The range is amazing. Not only do the products go above and beyond the call of

duty to perfect and protect my skin, but there are also tons

of added benefits from all the naturally sourced vitamins and

antioxidants.

“

“

Ross

Coo

per

3-Step Organic Facial Care Set, $55, Angelfacebotanicals.com

I’m recently loving Boscia B.B. Cream because it

perfects your skin without foundation!

“

“

Geneviève Carota

Boscia BB Cream, $38, Bosciaskincare.com

21

We NoticeOh,

Our columnist Kevin Rossi tells girls what guys really think of their clothes: the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly! Take note girls, these are real (and a little

harsh) thoughts from the opposite sex -- and they aren’t what you expect!

Girls always complain when guys don’t notice their new haircut or their new bag or their new perfume. Maybe ladies take offense to that. Maybe you take our lack of attention as an invitation to wear any combination of obscure clothing known to mankind, assuming that us guys simply “never notice”. Oh, we notice ladies. To show you how much we notice, I’m going to tell you what it is that we see, and what it is that we really just hate.

Ah, the ever-so deadly combination of climate confusion. There is nothing worse than looking out your window in the morning to check the weather and seeing a girl rocking UGGs and shorts. “It’s hot, she’s wearing shorts! No wait, it’s cold, she’s wearing UGGs! Wait...what? Ah!” Not only is it confusing to the person looking at you, it simply looks terrible. Guys tend to gravitate towards girls who look athletic or who show they care about their appearance. The UGGs and shorts combination not only says “I’m frumpy” it also says “I don’t care how I look today.” So ladies, if you want us to care, then you have to care first!

Guys, is there a worse feeling than spotting a girl from afar, telling your boy to check out the chick walking toward you, then noticing how crusty her makeup is as she walks by? No there is not, and you’re definitely not going to hear the end of it from your friends. We all know how infatuated you girls are with your make-up, but please spare us the middle school flashbacks

UGGs and Shorts

Cake Face Syndrome

22

permanent pressand leave the cake face at home. To be honest, guys prefer the girl who wears less make-up to the girl who wears more. It’s a confidence thing, and just as you like confidence in guys, we like confidence in girls. I’m not saying don’t wear any make-up. I’m saying be confident in yourself and don’t hide your face behind some superficial (and often times super-tan) mask.

I think 99% of guys agree on the atrocity that is the rain boot. Nobody wants to hear about the practicality of your polka dot rain boots. Nobody wants to hear how easy it is to step through puddles with your zebra-striped rain boots. Unless you are going trout fishing in ankle deep water, nobody even wants to see your rainbow rain boots! There’s rarely an acceptable excuse to be wearing those rubber monsters. No matter how nice your outfit is, your rain boots are definitely the farthest thing from a fashion statement. By the way ladies, if guys “never notice” what you wear, then why is our favorite day of the school year the first day it rains? We are not laughing with you…

I’m pretty sure that two of the most awkward clothing mishaps are girls swimming in their clothes and girls suffocating in their clothes. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you aren’t allowed to do this every once in a while. Every guy is guilty of the wearing the occasional baggy sweatshirt and sweatpants. All us guys are asking for is for you to know your size. Squeezing yourself into a shirt that is two sizes too small or drowning in a huge dress is not very appealing. Just as much as you hate trying to sit down in your over tight jeans for fear of giving your neighbors a show, we hate watching you struggle to do so. Do yourself and guys everywhere a favor: wear size appropriate clothing. It shows

that you are confident while not trying too hard!

Guys notice when you ladies dress down, and believe it or not, guys don’t mind. Guys mind when you ladies dress down every single day. Girls, don’t wake up every morning and throw on your t-shirt and jeans, then expect us to compliment you. It just isn’t going to happen. This look is generic and you start to blend in. If you are looking for compliments, then you have to switch it up. If you want to be noticed, then dress like you want to be noticed. Be bold, be different.

Ladies, consider yourselves warned. We may not know what brand your shirt is and we may not know how much your outfit costs, but we notice. Oh, we notice.

Rain Boots

Lack of Size-Appropriateness

T-Shirt and Jeans EVERYDAY

Whether you’re a fan or not, I think all sexes can agree these

are a definite don’t. Sorry Betsey Johnson! (Image: courtesy of

betseyjohnson.com)

Once in a while? Fine. Every

day? Boring! (Image: hanes.com)

23

Smak Parlour Exclusive Interview with Abby & Katie of

Permanent Press So, how did you two best friends first meet?Abby & Katie In our high-school bathroom putting on eyeliner the same way in the same mirror!

PP How did the Smak line come into being?A&K We designed a line of silkscreened, embellished and re-constructed t-shirts called SMAK after college. We got a great response and sold to boutiques across the country. We opened our boutique and had tailors sewing in an area of the shop behind the velvet curtains we called the “parlour”. We were making SMAK in the “parlour” and voila!

PP What is your creative process when it comes to designing clothes?

A&K Spending so much time together through the years, we really have a unified aesthetic. We finish each other’s sentences and designing together flows.

PP What were the hardest parts about creating your own line? A&K Finding materials that we could get again and production. We had to be prepared to fulfill all orders we received whether they were for six pieces or a thousand pieces. Thankfully we had wonderful tailors for small orders and manufacturing for large orders that were set up to fulfill our big orders. We had to ensure we could get all the exact same materials (buttons, fabric and embellishments) as the sample shown. We had to be able to get the materials in bulk if need be.

With the increase of repetitive and unoriginal department store lines and boring collections, great boutiques have become even more exciting to find. Luckily Smak Parlour, on 219 Market St., is able to fill our craving for unique clothes! Permanent Press was happy to sit down with co-founders (and BFF’s) Abby & Katie for a chat -- and they’re Drexel alums!

24

permanent press

Abby (above left) and Katie (above right) are best friends who get to work in this adorable boutique every day! The entire shop is full of quirky jewelry, beautiful colors, and the most fun displays you’ll ever see in a shop. With mannequin heads modeling sunglasses and rockbeds full of rings, you could play in Smak Parlour all day and not even get to see it all!

25

Wow That’s Cute!Just some of the adorable merch at Smak Parlour, clockwise from left:Stone rings scattered about a beautiful display; awesome geo drop earrings are perfect for spring; how cute are these mini keepsake boxes?; a baroque bust is a great way to display jewelry; teeny tiny bottle stone necklaces; drop earrings attached to a great gold frame!

26

permanent pressPP Creating your own boutique is a big step! How’d that come about? A&K We had confidence in our brand after wholesaling so successfully.

PP So when you created your boutique, how did you know where to start? A&K We already had a product base because of our wholesale brand “SMAK by Abby & Katie” which was sold across the country. We searched for a location for two years until we found our Old City spot. Our landlord let us put our first month’s rent on a credit card. We didn’t have any investors or financial assistance from anyone. We put everything on credit cards. We set up the store on a shoestring so we had to be super creative and DIY about it using elbow grease and our imaginations!

PP When you create your brand do you make your own patterns first, make them from scratch, or just let the fabric flow where it wants until you have something cute and fun?A&K We design many of our patterns from scratch and over the 7 years we’ve been here, we’ve developed a pattern library which we use and alter constantly. For example, we add a collar to a really well fitting dress or change the hem to a bias cut. There are many options. We also like to embellish tees and hoodies (making them cute and girly).

PP What is your favorite product that you’ve created? Sold? Bought? A&K Ruffle Hoodie, it’s a mini- dress length hoodie :) We created it and it’s been made the entire 7 years. Many customers have purchased a new one every year. We always change it up slightly, some have pockets, some have elastic in the hood, some have deconstructed details, and some are long like a mini- dress or short to the hip. It’s a keeper because its been worked and re-worked to the point of perfection!

PP Your job sounds like so much fun! What’s the best part? A&K Being with your best friend!

PP So what is it like being both best friends and co-workers? A&K Awesome. We’ve planned this since we met at 15. We’ve lived our lives together working towards this goal and we appreciate our

Check out the adorable dress above! And that Peter-Pan collared blouse is right on trend.

27

dream coming true! Plus, we respect each other and know how to work together efficiently.

PP Who are your favorite designers? A&K Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, Stella McCartney, Jason Wu, and Christian Siriano.

PP Who and what inspires you? A&K Honestly, everything...the past, the future, cities, countries, our friends. It’s not a particular moment; it’s all of our combined experiences.

PP What 3 words would you use to describe Smak’s style? A&K Fun, girly, rock ‘n roll!

PP What kind of girl wears your clothing? A&K The coolest girl in the room!

PP What is in Smak and Smak Parlour’s future? A&K Expanding our brand on our website, shipping internationally. By putting in place the best shipping capabilities, we will be able to ship worldwide. Catering to international customers is an incredible opportunity for us and Smak fans across the country too of course! We are really focused on getting exposure through using all the social media outlets, our blog, and experimenting with online ads!

PP If you could meet yourself when you were a Drexel freshman what advice would you give yourself? A&K Shoot for the stars, your dream can be a reality. Learn everything you can in your major, every detail counts and it helps if you can actually do everything yourself. •

For more information and some amazing shopping check out SmakParlour.com!Do you have a favorite boutique with a wonderful staff? Write to PermanentPressMag@gmail.com and we might feature your favorite shopping haven in our next issue!

28

permanent pressEvery inch of Smak Parlour is decorated -- we even found these cute mini-masterpieces, at right, by the door! Check out Abby & Katie behind the register of their boutique. Their giant frame backdrop would make a great statement piece for any home! Opposite page: If you’ve got a little sis show her these prom-perfect dresses and adorable rings! (We love the ones that say dope!)

Need a cute outfit? Just head to the dressing rooms!

29

& LoadedLocked

Era is a four-piece outfit consisting of Matt Arters, Bob Cirino, Pat Loundas, and Chris Pollock. Together, they make a visceral cacophony which is ethereal at times, driving and powerful at others, even without lyrics. “We’re kind of proud to not have a vocalist,” says Loundas, “in the sense that we try to tell stories or convey emotions instrumentally.” To this end, Era is somewhat fixated on getting their sound exactly right - if they don’t love a song, Loundas says, “we’ll just drop it.” Although they’ve been together since August, the band has yet to release an album or perform a live show. The buzz is big though, and Loundas says, “We’re coming pretty close to being ready to be out in the world.”

The majority of the band hails from Oxford, PA. Arters and Cirino have been playing together for eight years, and met Pollock when they were in high school. Loundas joined when Arters’ production company booked his band for a show. They have been writing original music together since August. The band cites the bands Explosions in the Sky and This Will Destroy You as major

Era

As cities go, Philadelphia is a veritable breeding ground for new musical talent. With all the benefits of a big city on a much less daunting scale, the City of Brotherly Love lends itself to a growing indie music scene. It’s not surprising, then, that Drexel University boasts a fair amount of its own musical acts - despite its reputation as a school for engineers and science nerds, creative types abound on campus. Permanent Press spotlights two popular student bands, Era and W.C. Lindsay.

By Melody Nielsen

30

permanent press

influences, but their sound is about more than that. The influences are far-reaching. According to Loundras, “I listen to a lot of classical music recently, and I turn to that a lot. Two of the other guys used to be in a metal band, and that contributes to our aggressive edge. We all like Circa Survive a lot too.” Era’s ambitions are diverse as well -

perhaps unsurprisingly with their focus on storytelling, the band is interested in writing film scores. “We want you to listen to a song and experience it rather than just hear it,” says Loundas. “When the song comes on you go someplace, and when it ends you’re someplace different.”

Starting off as a solo project and over the course of one night morphing into a full-

fledged band, W.C. Lindsay’s eclectic mix of indie pop and electronica is as artful as it is playful. The band’s namesake, William Lindsay, writes and programs the electronics, and John Sepa and George Legatos contribute drums and bass, respectively. “I guess the blanket term would be electro-pop,” says Lindsay, but the band’s sound relies on more than just synthesizers and noise. “We just try to take electronic music and humanize it. We don’t like to hide behind a DJ booth. It’s unconstrained; it’s a mix of a lot of

different things.” That mix, according to Lindsay, is part of the band’s success. W.C. Lindsay was originally the solo project of its namesake. However, after bringing in Sepa and Legatos for a Battle of the Bands hosted by the Campus Activities Board, Lindsay decided to expand the line-up.

The collaboration brought about a great deal of inspiration. “None of us listen to the same things at all,” says Lindsay,

W.C. Lindsay

31

Era, above and left, opposite page.

W.C. Lindsay ©Chris McKenney 2012

“But no matter what it was, a lot of the bands we listen to have a lot of similar qualities. Our tastes are congruent in a lot of strange ways and it just sort of works.” They do have some influences in common, of course, including LCD Soundsystem, The Streets, Rage Against the

Machine, and folk music. “I love the anecdotal quality of the songwriting,” says Lindsay. “That’s something electronic music misses a lot, is the depth.” Live performance is something that W.C. Lindsay, unlike many electronic bands, embraces and even thrives on. Last summer, they embarked on a national tour with the popular Drexel band Wild Rompit, with whom they regularly collaborate. Another tour is in the works for spring break, but that doesn’t mean W.C. Lindsay is staying out of the spotlight until then. “We perform all over the place,” says Lindsay, noting that the band prefers to play

house shows “because the money is going to the right people,” not “some sleaseball promoter.” W.C. Lindsay’s first official EP, titled Hard Youth, Hardly You, in the works for three years, will debut this month. Lindsay is particularly excited about the cover art, which he describes

as “provocative.” Noting that the band has achieved a remarkable level of popularity even without an official release, Lindsay muses about the future of his band. “We’re looking forward to seeing how it will be received,” he says. “It’s locked and loaded.”

For more information on W.C. Lindsay, please visit WCLindsay.com and follow them on Twitter at @WCLindsay! For more information on Era, visit Facebook.com/EraMusicBand!Photos of WC Lindsay ©Chris McKenney 2012•

32

W.C. Lindsay ©Chris McKenney 2012

permanent press

Permanent Press How would you describe Orgazum, your new clothing company?Orgazum Orgazum is a new enterprise, by the students, for the students. We aspire to establish collaboration between the fashion and business worlds. It’s completely student run, from the funding to our designs, and we hope people like our clothes.

PP That’s very inspiring for young students. Tell me, how did you guys come up with the concept of Orgazum?O This idea was actually hatched on the seventh floor of the freshman residence hall, Towers, at Drexel. It was a gloomy fall evening, and honestly we were bored to death as classes had been relatively easy compared to the

last years of high school in India, which is where all three of us are from. We are also all business majors, and ironically we did have a lot of free time on our hands. We were talking about how we had come so many million miles away from home to gain real life experience, as demonstrated by Drexel’s co-op experience, when it hit us! Why not implement our classroom knowledge and gain some valuable business experience ourselves? Thus began our partnership and a

new chapter of our friendship.

PP You guys make it sound like anyone could embark on such a venture. How do you manage different aspects of the business and maintain your personal friendships?

RisingStars

Drexel has been the home base for many rising stars in the past few years. Now, one very promising group of students has made their debut this winter quarter with a clothing line for their brand new company, Orgazum. The three students behind this innovative idea are Saurabh Bihani, Aryan Jain and Vinayak Kalani. Permanent Press was lucky enough to catch an exclusive interview with these entrepreneurs at University Crossings.

By Unmesha Roy Paladhi

33

we’ve done alright. Mostly, we enjoy the perks of knowing each other before this. Our discussions are largely informal, focusing on sharing ideas and we always revolve around joint decisions. This venture has been an incredible learning experience and we have evolved more than ever during this time.

PP Do you have any specific job titles?O Sourabh is our marketing manager, Aryan handles product development and Vinayak is involved in general management and responsible for selecting designers.

PP Since Orgazum is a brand new company, how did you get noticed in today’s busy market?O Our first and major promotional event took place in early February when we hosted our official launch party, inviting every network and connection available. It was difficult to get publicity in a world where students already have access to so many clothing brands but the party helped and we have sold a total of 147 shirts as of today.

PP Wow, congratulations! Where do you get your trademark designs from?O Our designs originate from our three very talented designers: Samantha Sudai, Asha and Suzzette Desouza. We found them through flyers which we handed out directly at Drexel’s

34

Check out the team’s designs at right!

permanent pressfashion design department. They are essentially the most important part of our project as we would be nothing without our unique designs which are directed mainly towards the college-going crowd. We’d like to add that we are very open to new designs from new designers and any input from our target market is always appreciated.

PP That’s very evident from your product. How are you any different from other clothing brands and where do you see the future of this company?O As we said before, we are completely student run, which we think is rare in the industry, but furthermore, we also care about our social responsibility. We intend to donate 50 cents for every t-shirt sold to a cause like HIV/AIDS or cancer research. In terms of the future, we hope to establish a popular brand name and open a retail store.

PP I love that you guys think big! I’m curious though as to how you came up with your business name?O Let’s just say that we wanted something eye-catching and something that college kids could relate to, if you know what I mean, haha!

PP Ha, how inspiring! To wrap up, let have three words from each of you to describe Orgazum.O Saurabh: Distinct, new and now!Aryan: Attract, attract, attract!Vinayak: Extraordinary, fun and experimental!

To purchase one of Orgazum’s products or to design for the company, please contact the Orgazum team at Vk333@drexel.edu or attend one of their promotional events. •

35

Spring FeverTry out

this spring’s trends today! From low-key accessories to

high-impact separates, its all about making a good impresssion this season. Forget winter and blossom!

All items this story Topshop.com

PastelsThink Easter when you were young -- those pastels! These hues will have you feeling young and fresh again, and they are a fantastic break from winter’s darks and way-too-brights. Go full-pastel in a dress or shift or, for just a touch of soft, add an accessory like a clutch or heel!

36

permanent press

FloralsFlowers are the symbol of springtime, so let this rejuvenation of nature rejuvenate you! Try on a whole garden in a contrasting top and tights or go simpler in a dress. Still too much? Add just a touch of flower power with a scarf or even a pillow in your beautiful boudoir!

37

PrintsPrints may be hard to rock, but since they are all over the runways they may be hard to resist this spring. Just remember a few rules for mixing them! 1. Stick within a 3-color scheme between all your pieces2. Don’t wear multiple prints of the same scale (pair small with

large print) 3. Use neutral or monochromatic accessories to tone your look

down!

38

permanent press

Retro: 60’s

39

Retro looks always influence the seasons, and this spring the sixties are swingin’ again! Wear head-to-toe mod with A-line skirts and simple tops, or velvet bell-sleeved dresses in rich of-the-moment velvets. If the time-machine look is not for you, add a few accessories to bring the retro look to today! Try a metallic peter-pan necklace on any t-shirt to dress it up or bring Chelsea boots to today with a wedge heel!

Wear in the WorldVinayak Kalani takes Permanent Press to India to show us some of the styles of dress around the world! India is a country with varied customs and cultures. People here follow different tradition and come from very diversified backgrounds. Hence in India there is no one way of dressing up, one trend or one style. Indian people express themselves a great deal through their clothing. This can been seen through their choices of beautifully colored, melodramatic, and flowing garments. These vibrant colors are woven into intricate and ornate designs, which are found resonating throughout India in various different styles. These beautiful long following garments are called a “Sari” in India. A sari is a strip of unstitched cloth, typically ranging from four to nine yards in length that is draped over the body in various styles. A sari is the traditional dress for an Indian woman, and is also considered classic and chic. Check out some of the different styles of sari and their draping at the far right. While the sari is a very traditional and formal form of dressing, a much less formal, and more universally worn is a “churidar kurta” (right). A churidar kurta is a two-part dress, where the “kurta” is almost like a long inflated shirt, while the “churidar” resembles a pair of pajamas worn underneath the kurta. While these are some of the traditional forms of dressing, not every Indian woman wears them. With large influence from the west, and the changing Indian fashion industry, many women predominantly only own western styles of clothing and their wardrobes won’t be much different from the wardrobes of women in the west.

All photos courtesy of ManishMalhotra.in.

Modern Navi This is the modern style of wearing a sari where it is usually worn with a bikini.

Navi StyleThis is the most common style of draping a sari and is most commonly seen all through India.

40

permanent press

Guys, Listen Up! Personally, I think a lot of guys underestimate the power of a change-up in the wardrobe department for “picking up chicks” or whatever the kids are saying these days -- it’s not just us girls, (ahem Kevin Rossi, page 13). With that said, I know many guys are averse to trying something too drastic in case it makes them look like they care too much about their appearance. Apparently only girls are supposed to do this. Well, what gives? Guys need to care about their clothes as well if they want to send the right mating call, if you know what I mean.

Maybe asking for a nice casual blazer, a henley and bright pants is a bit much, but hey a girl can dream right? All clothes this story H&M, hm.com

Wear in the World41

By Aubrey Nagle

Do’s & Don’tsBun EditionWhen I was a kid, my greatest aspiration in life was to be a ballerina. As a chunky 8-year-old, however, it was a pipe dream at best. I quit a year later, after they told me I couldn’t dance in the recital wearing glitter ballet slippers. Needless to say, my future career was indicated early on. Now, twelve-or-so years later, I find myself donning leggings, ballet flats, drapey tees, even leotards, but nothing conjures up more memories of ballet class than the classic bun. The ballet bun has revamped and re-emerged in recent years and can be seen on the heads of stylish celebrities and college students alike. However, there are some very crucial how to’s, do’s, and definite don’ts on creating and rocking this stylish ‘do.

1. Buy a shower cap. Buns thrive in dirty hair. I know, I know, “gross.” But, actually, it’s not healthy to wash your hair every day. If you’re like me and get insane bed-head, then the bun is truly a life-saver. For those of you who cringe at the thought of second-day hair, don’t fret. Whether you choose to shampoo or not, the first step to achieve a perfect bun is volume and texture. Spray some dry shampoo on your scalp to absorb excess oil and add a bit of friction. This keeps your hair together and prevents it from slipping out or falling flat. Brush through as usual.

2. Hairspray. It doesn’t really matter the potency, as long as it’s not cement. You need some preparatory hold! Brush your hair again, sista.

Pull your hair back into a ponytail. Tip: position your ponytail as high up on your head as you can. It will slide back a little. The high orientation of the bun lends a sleeker, more chic alternative to the low-slung chignon. *You can choose to tie the ponytail in place or continue to step 4 depending on your hair length, cut, and texture.

3.

By Geneviève Carota

42

permanent pressWrap it up. You can twist hair into a rope and into a knot, or, using both hands, work the hair by wrapping it around the base of the bun. You can freestyle it, or use a sock or a bun-donut (I got mine from CVS – its basically net molded into the shape of your favorite Krispy-Kreme. Delicious. Cheap, too, about $4. They come in dark and light (brown and blonde) to match your hair color. But, beware, some bun-donuts are hilariously large and would only be workable if you were Lady Godiva.) When using a bun donut, practice, practice, practice. If at first you don’t succeed…and so forth. It can be tricky but it’s worth it. Pin and wrap, pin and wrap…

Secure it. Need I say more?Bobby pins, girl.

Douse that sh*t in hairspray.

4.

5.6.

DO • Keep it neat. Messy buns are an art in and of themselves and this is not one of them.

• Put your best face forward. This style is not for those afraid of showing their faces. Healthy skin is best, and makeup, as always, is welcome but not required.

• Ear-cessorize. Put your shiny lobes on display! • Be confident because you look hot as heck!

DON’T • Be a slob. Seriously. You don’t want to look like you smell like the gym. Knotty, unkempt hair just looks bad.

• Over-accessorize. You are not Natalie Portman and this is not Black Swan. No headbands, clips, or strange feathers.

• Be afraid of height. The higher, the cuter.

Pssst....that’s Krysten Minicci, EIC Aubrey Nagle’s roomie! She’s a sophomore Chemical Engineer and does the bun daily.

43

PermanentPressMag.tumblr.com@PermPressMag