For the majority of students, university is a time for personal growth and self-discovery. Fashion can play an integral role in this process, as it is great way to reflect what you're all about to the rest of the world. The majority of the Fashionistas/os I have interviewed seemed to place an emphasis on originality. Their style was driven by the want to look different from the rest of the Queen’s student population and their number one tool was their clothing.
For me, first year was all about trying to “fit in;” what is everyone wearing and where do I get it? Second I began to question the norm and wanted to, in a sense, break free. Finally, in third year I didn’t care what anyone thought and just wore what I wanted when I wanted.
This week’s Fashionisto has used fashion as a tool for personal growth. He has evolved into sleek, stylish man who is always well put together and stands out in the crowd of sweat pants and T-shirts.
Name: Jacob Boyle
Major: History
Year: Senior
CollegeFashionista: Who is your fashion inspiration?
Jacob Boyle: I don’t really have an icon in mind but I would say the aesthetic that inspires me is classic prep. It’s something that you can wear everywhere and you fit in. Although I'm obsessed with It’s a Brad Brad World (Rachel Zoe's ex-assistant). That has been really interesting seeing a male perspective on style and fashion and just the fact that your own style is constantly evolving.
CF: What fashion trend would you like to see start and or stop at Queen’s?
JB: I wish people would wake up in the morning and care a little more about how they looked. When you look your best, you feel your best. I'm not saying you have to make fashion a priority but people have such wonderfully unique personalities; why miss out on an another opportunity to express yourself?
CF: How has fashion influenced your university experience?
JB: It helped me grow into myself. I think a part of your identity is connected to what you're putting out for people to see. Also, working for the charity fashion show has been interesting. To see fashion evolve from the first sketch to what you see on models is amazing. Also the artistic process of fashion has been interesting; watching something being born from the designers imagination.
How To: Wear what makes you happy and make sure it reflects your personality. The greatest fashion icons like Marc Jacobs, Carine Roitfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier are all eccentric characters that have been wildly successful in the fashion world because they weren’t afraid of what people thought and they expressed themselves through style.
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