salty: Nov 16, 2008

PROFILE: Chazer Clothing Company

“Absolutely not. This is what I do.” A serious expression crosses clothing designer Ross Schatz’s face when I ask if he’d rather land a “steady” job. As a professional snowboarder, spontaneity always defined Schatz’s life, and Chazer, a seasonal line of comfortable street-wear for men and women, offers an outlet for his passion, his creativity, and his need for freedom. Ross produces the entire line in his apartment. The clothes feature original artwork that incorporates the brand’s logo, and Schatz spends his days silk-screening the designs onto t-shirts, zip-ups, hoodies, and hats (prices range from $20.00 to $50.00). The intricate detail of the images distinguishes his clothes from other lines of hand-produced clothing by 20-somethings. The brand boasts a steady following, and next weekend Schatz travels to New Haven for a promotional event for the line. Check out some of the designs:

Visit http://chazerclothingcompany.bigcartel.com/products.

OBSESSION: Make Up For Ever

Long the product adored by artists, models, and movie stars, Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes waterproof eyeliner delivers a striking iridescence that makes it worth the $16 splurge. With finely ground mother-of-pearl as its base, the pigment is soft enough to smudge easily — even to use as an eye shadow — and allows for its versatility and easy color combinations. It creates subtly for day and bold drama at night. And once it dries, it stays put. Created in 1984 in the Parisian workshop/boutique of makeup artist Dany Sanz, Make Up For Ever offers a fun selection of colors: fushia pink, majorelle blue, shimmering plum, turquoise, and basics from bronze to silver to black. This eyeliner possesses the ability to replace the morning's dull and repetitive process with a spark of creativity and excitement with each application.
For more products visit http://www.makeupforever.com/ or http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml;jsessionid=WKV0RKOS4AS1SCV0KQRQ5UQ?brandId=Make+Up+For+Ever

LANDMARK LOOKS: West(cott) Side

The Westcott Theater played host to some creative glow-in-the-dark garb last Thursday, November 13, 2008. The Westcott Theater (524 Westcott Street) threw a neon toga dance party, where local DJ’s the Smash Brothers and DJ AFAR spun beats. These haute tunes inspired some great DIY creations. Many bedazzled themselves in hi-lighter colored bed sheet. Even those without togas looked rather salty in flirty frocks or sweet graphic tees. These bold styles raise the question: Is Westcott the new Marshal? You be the judge.

EXPERIENCE: Camden Club Kidzz

“Morning Crescent, mind the gap,” Chimes the dainty British voice, that has come to narrate my daily commute around London. As the doors open, all the girls with shaggy bangs and dapper lads pile out and into the tube station. My friends and I follow the young masses up the stairs and into the night. Outside I catch the reflection of a bright neon sign in one of the many puddles that line Camden High Street. I see a couple sharing pints outside a pub; boys, in Goth make-up, excitedly chat about what club they want to go to next.

Welcome to Camden: epicenter of all that is gritty, raw, fun, and fashionable. By day it serves as London’s funkiest open-air market and the inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Diaganon Alley in the Harry Potter books. By night it shifts to the glam and swill that gave birth to Amy Winehouse (known as the legend of Camden).

On this night we cross the busy street to club Koko. A long line winds around the side of theater-turn-dance-club. My friends complain, but I see this as the perfect opportunity to soak in some of London’s street fashion. To my right, I see a girl with bleach-blonde hair. She sports bright heliotrope tights with lots of runs. Between puffs on her cigarette, she discusses music festivals with her eyeliner-laden friend who wears a high waisted, salmon-and-navy skirt. While the girls deliver smashing outfits, the boys sport totally mental looks. One guy wears a see-through garbage bag that drapes around his chest. He and his mate dress hospital chic (scrubs, red lipstick and fake blood).

After 20 minutes of waiting and 12 pounds for the cover charge, we move into the club, which features soaring balconies and black lights. Between the bustling bodies, I spy Victoria Beckham inspired coifs, nerdy black Buddy Holly glasses, and raccoon styled eye shadow.

While dancing to the techno beats, I admire the ease these London kids feel in their garish get-ups. What happens here travels fast: Cool hunters watch and copy these looks, until kooky glasses and chartreuse tights crowd the shelves at Topshop. I know the looks I see tonight will soon appear in magazines such as Vice and Nylon. But these boys and girls aren’t thinking about that. They live, dance and dress for the moment. So I follow suit. I grab a sudsy Strongbow, begin to move my body to the beat, and watch as an Edwardian styled prince snogs his Gothic Lolita princess.

STREET STYLE: Men's Vogue

First-year performing arts major Nick Deyo strikes a pose and captures the essence of men’s high fashion while enjoying lunch on the Quad. A resident of London, England, Nick knows rainy days. He appreciates the rarity of sun in Salt City, making a point to dress to impress. His ensemble reflects taste and luxury through his tail coat and collared dress shirt. Nick incorporates his own quirks with red socks. Note: the faux-hawk.

Favorite item he's wearing: His Dior dress shoes. “I got them in Paris with my mom,” he reminisces, adding “the leather is fantastic!”

Fashion Icon: AJ Ellis

Trend he loves to hate: “This whole bitch craze—Oh, you mean fashion? I could do without leggings” he declares.