Dom Streater Pop-up at Knit Wit

Last Tuesday, Knit Wit and Skai Blue Media hosted a pop-up shop featuring the Spring/Summer 2014 collection of Dom Streater. The Season 12 winner of Project Runway hails from Philadelphia, so I knew this event would be perfect for the Style section. 

Dom was kind enough to answer several questions of mine for the article that will be running next week if I get my act together. A number of the attendees shopped the collection, and scarves bearing Dom's trademark prints seemed to be a big hit, as were her rain ponchos, especially considering the dreary weather.

I'm naturally rather introverted, so throwing myself into a small room full of creative people versed in the art of networking was quite the intimidating notion. I went in with the intention of being friendly, sociable, and I was prepared to network my butt off. Within a few minutes I realized that everyone here knew everyone else, and I had to find some way to fit in. What surprised me the most, however, were the number of people I had never met before who pretended to know who I was. I guess that sort of comes with the territory, doesn't it?

I was fortunate enough to speak briefly with a publicist for the event, the owner of the boutique and several other attendees who operated local businesses or agencies. When I mentioned I was a student journalist, they were more than willing to trade information, and I'm hoping to have some cool project in the works before the month is over.

Street Style: Ajay

Remember when I said I was going to try to feature people I didn't already know? Well, I sort of gave up this week. To say I have too much on my plate would be the understatement of the year, but let me just elaborate on my situation: I'm on campus two days a week where I'm in class from nine in the morning to six at night, albeit with a few breaks in between, often followed by meetings. When I'm not on campus I'm either in New York City for my internship, and when I'm not fulfilling either of the aforementioned obligations I'm doing homework and picking up the pieces for Style contributors who have not met the deadline. So how's that for self-justification?

Street style can get boring and predictable, not only in the format but also in the content of the article. Does anyone really care about a random student's style inspiration or favorite article of clothing? Probably not. Just like when I inquired with Sola about her sandwich of choice, I used my insider knowledge regarding Ajay's current musical obsession (based on our lengthy discussions of Beyonce's album over a cup of Starbucks) and made an effort to be timely and relevant. His answer was also phenomenally sassy, and it is because of moments like this that I have decided keep Ajay in my company.

Ajay Raghavan, senior, biomedical engineering

Jacket — Bar III, T-shirt — Target, pants — Urban Outfitters, scarf — American Apparel, boots — Kenneth Cole

Q: How would you describe your sense of personal style?
A: I’d like to think my sense of personal style changes from day to day depending on how I feel or what I’m doing with my day. You could call me a chameleon in that sense, I suppose.

Q: Are you more prone to invest in statement pieces or staples?
A: At this point, definitely statement pieces. However, I think a delicate balance of both is crucial. Too many staples make you look blase and basic, and too many statement pieces and you run the risk of looking like Professor Trelawney from “Harry Potter.” But, I suppose if that’s your prerogative, more power to you.

Q: What were your new year’s resolutions?
A: I guess be the best version of myself? I just try to make every year better than the last.

Q: How do you feel about Beyonce?
A: I’m sorry, if you don’t like Beyonce or find her to be “average at best,” you can sign yourself up for an investment banking class, buy a whole lot of stock in Raymour and Flanigan and proceed to take SEVERAL seats. Seriously, I don’t think you could find a more exemplary version of a musical icon in today’s day and age.

Static

Cults at the Theater of Living Arts in Philadelphia 

Goal for 2014: shoot more concerts.

The Rodin

The Rodin museum re-opened its doors last year after several years of renovations. The beautiful French garden had been open to the public, but this past November marks my first time inside the small museum. Several smaller sculptures are still on display in the PMA, but most of Rodin's work sits in this tiny but beautiful building. I couldn't help but draw comparisons between the pieces I saw in the Musee d'Orsay this past summer, which holds one the original plasters of the Gates of Hell.

As per usual, my student ID gets me in for free (yay!), a perk I'm going to miss once I graduate. Because it's so small, my friend Katie and hit up several other Parkway museums on this unseasonably warm Saturday. I'm never one to complain about warm weather out of season, especially when it means I can wear one of my blazers in lieu of a proper coat. However, these warm spells are long gone, and as a matter of fact it's snowing just so lightly outside my window right now. Welcome to winter.

Store Profile: Duross & Langel

For last week's store profile, the Style section covered Duross & Langel. I was first introduced to this Philadelphia-based soapmaker this past spring by a good friend of mine. We ducked into the store to take cover from a crazy Cinco de Mayo celebration that had taken over 13th Street and he insisted I try their Moroccan Cedar scented soap. I was hooked. Further investigation revealed that many of their all-natural products are produced in the second level of their storefront. According to the owner, Steve Duross, the demand for their products is so big they have moved most of their production to local family operated laboratories, where the recipes can be carefully followed. Read my full article on Duross & Langel over at The Triangle.

Street Style: Ayanna

Ayanna Harris, senior in Digital Media 

Wearing:Forever 21 jacket, Papaya Clothing pants, Wet Seal boots, DSW bag 

My goal for next week is to shoot people for street style who I don't already know. It's a bit of a cop-out, isn't it?
On this afternoon I had lunch with my good friend Ayanna, who I've known since early in my freshman year of school. She always dresses with a point of view, but today I was particularly drawn to her vintage-inspired purse, high-waisted pants and her Rosie the Riveter-esque scarf. She was giving me a bit too much of her serious model face and it took of bit of unsuccessful banter from behind the camera to make her crack a smile. I think she was mostly just confused by the random things I was shouting at her, but once I explained I was trying to get a genuine smile, she laughed at how much of a dork I was being about it. Why didn't you just tell me? Note to self: don't try to fool your subject, you'll just end up looking like a fool.

Who or what do you look to for style inspiration?

I find myself following the styles of dancers (things that are easy to move in). I also find inspiration from ‘90s hip-hop styles and pin-up fashion.

What trend, if any, are you looking forward to trying this fall?

I am really getting into long-sleeved dresses this fall (maxi and skater). I know the weather is getting colder, so usually I stray away from outfits that show my legs, but I am still on the hunt for a long-sleeved black skater dress.

Your jacket is such an awesome ‘80s print. What print or pattern would you never wear?

I usually avoid thick vertical black-and-white stripes and thin horizontal black-and-white stripes. Thick vertical stripes make your legs look longer (if you wear them on the bottom). I am already tall, so I don’t need the illusion of looking tall. Thin horizontal stripes look bad on camera (looks like things are moving on your shirt). If I am ever randomly caught on camera, I don’t want my shirt to look like bugs are crawling all over [it].

You’re part of a K-pop dance team. How do you translate your personal style into your costume choices?

After we all agree on a color or pattern, I usually look for a crop top or high-waist shorts (recently obsessed with both) that would fit that. And then I always bling it out with a big, chunky necklace or big, sparkly earrings just to set my outfit or style apart from the others.

Street Style: Sola

Adesola Onitiri, third year junior in communications

Wearing: Gap top, H&M skirt, thrifted belt, Born shoes, Michael Kors jacket 

Several weeks ago, I was prowling the sidewalks of campus for street style subjects, as I am
wont to do when I have a bit of free time. I ran into my friend Sola at a food truck outside of our library and insisted that she let me photograph her outfit. I was drawn in my her velvet bow-adorned loafers and her cool vintage belt. She also indulged me and answered my stupid questions about her sandwich. Thanks for tolerating me, Sola.

What piece in your wardrobe do you wear the most?
I probably wear my denim jacket the most. It was my dads before I tricked it out with all of my band and feminist pins. It also has amazing inside pockets.

What’s your favorite, but perhaps lesser known, place to shop?
Lately I've been doing some online shopping. I've found some really cool Etsy stores that I've been obsessed with.

What essential piece would you recommend for someone’s first fall in Philadelphia?
It's all about that amazing fall jacket. Find a cozy, statement jacket and wear the heck out of it as you eat pumpkin flavored things. Jackets are also a great conversation starter at fall festivals and music venues.

I ran into you in line for the food truck outside of Hagerty. What sandwich did you get?
Egg and cheese with salt pepper and a little bit if sriracha.

Designer Profile: Duke & Winston

Last week my profile on the Philadelphia-based brand Duke & Winston was published in the Style section my university's newspaper. I sat down with Seun Olubodun, the founder of Duke & Winston, who gave me the lowdown on how the line came to be and what is in store for this upcoming year.

This was a completely new endeavor for me: my first profile piece, the first time I conducted an interview the first time I had to funnel all of that information into an article. I'm surprised, but mostly glad, that I didn't feel overwhelmed or utterly lost. I haven't done much writing in the past few years and I had forgotten how much I like it. Perhaps I should give myself a little more credit, because at least I didn't end up with a jumbled mess of quotes like I thought I would!

If you feel so inclined, check out my story over at The Triangle!

US*U.S. Boutique

On a beautiful day earlier this week, when the weather felt nothing like it should in early December, I made my way down the Philadelphia-based designer co-op US*U.S. Boutique. Located on North 4th Street next to a firehouse (and a very distinctive bust of Benjamin Franklin), US*U.S. houses the work of eight Philadelphia designers. All of the original pieces shown in-store are for sale, but most of the designers work with customers to produce one-a-kind couture garments. A majority of the work is done on site or within the city, with delicate or specialized garments such an knitwear being shipped out. One of the designers, who was in the process of drafting a pattern and fitting a sample when I stopped by, was kind enough to take me down to the sewing room in the basement level of the store. The name of this co-op is meant to illustrate its goal of supporting locally based designers. The pieces you'll find are made in America, from conceptualization to creation.

Read more about US*U.S. Boutique in this week's issue of The Triangle

Rooms Filled with Light

The Drums

Over the course of the past few months I've had the opportunity to photograph some rather spectacular bands. Unfortunately I've also submitted to overwhelming laziness and have just gotten around to editing photos that have been sitting in a folder since the beginning of March. Thank goodness I don't do this for a living, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to eat for about two and a half months. The Walkmen put on a brilliant 3 hour long set on March 4 at Union Transfer; their show here in Philadelphia was part of a series of celebratory shows that honored their 10th anniversary as a band. Washed Out played at the same venue on April 19 and Fanfarlo was here to promote their newest album on March 8. The Drums were at Union Transfer as well back on April 23, and despite it being the most difficult show I've ever had to shoot (backlighting, smoke, more backlighting, and more smoke) it was a great show to watch. Every so often I have to remember to put down my camera, stop thinking about catching the best light, and just enjoy the music.

Washed Out

The Walkmen

Fanfarlo

The Aim of Art

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance."- Aristotle  

As a design student, I'm privileged enough to be granted free access to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I've been many times before, both alone and with friends, but my favorite visits were those which were guided by my professors; had my design professor not stopped to ask one of the museum employees for a magnifying glass, we all would have walked by Jan van Eyck's St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata without having noticed the ridiculously detailed cityscape background. Every time I leave with the notion that I've seen all there is to see, but once I had several Art History courses under my belt I began to notice and understand things I had not previously. That's all there is to it, being able to notice subtleties that would otherwise go unrecognized. 

This is a reconstruction of a cloister from an Abbey church in France.

A cast of The Thinker by Auguste Rodin, which was originally a figure on The Gates of Hell.

Fifty Days at Iliam: The Fire that Consumes All before It

Cy Twombly's ten-piece collection of drawings, which illustrate Homer's Iliad, is probably my favorite collection. What I like most is the reaction it elicits from most viewers.

"The true artist helps the world by revealing mystic truths."