Fashion: the external reflection of internal wants, feelings, culture and taste; also known as the air that keeps me breathing. If a fashion column would be accepted at any HBCU in the nation; Southern University A&M would lead the pack with all its Pretty Wednesday glory.
There is no doubt that the men and women at SU enjoy their fashion freedoms. From the unique classmate who pines for the next day of class so his only-wear-once-a-semester ensemble can debut; to the Union-loitering onlooker who waits to ostracize the funny dressed kid walking by (I can’t help myself sometimes either).
No matter where you fall on the fashion totem pole your interests will be addressed via weekly Digest publications. So from my fashion faux pas friends to my fashionista frienemies: hello, and let’s get started.
It’s clear fashion has evolved beyond runway exclusives and boutique buys when you can walk into your local university bookstore and walk out with an outfit for the evening. SU’s bookstore carries clothing for both men and women donned with the Southern jaguar, SU logo and blue and gold colors.
We’re not just talking sweatshirts and pants here. Sara Price, a freshman business management major from Houston was seen wearing the denim-blue V-neck with a blazer and fitted jeans, demonstrating that SU apparel can be business-casual and stylish; two terms that wouldn’t have been associated with university clothing two years ago.
Buyers are finally listening to consumers, and HBCU’s are quick to pick up the market. Logos aren’t just for Gucci bags and Louis Vuitton scarves. Stylishly supporting your school is a non-verbal way to recruit onlookers.
“We get the hottest stuff each year.” SU bookstore manager John Dyar said of the apparel options currently offered.
Producers of the clothing include Victoria Secrets, Russell Athletics, Nike and Champion. Dyar attributes the growing fashion-forward school apparel to the students themselves.
“(SUBR) was one of the first HBCU schools to have (the Victoria Secrets line),” Dyar said. Students asked where the new clothes were, Dyar said and in response SU requested them.
Not only is SU providing season relevant clothing, they are rewarding the students who support their university. Twenty-five percent of proceeds from the “official SU Shirt” are forwarded to student programs.
Adding hints of culture and background has always been an eclectic twist for fashion followers. With bold, interesting, wearable fashion, fashionistas everywhere can begin to tread on new territory combing name brand university apparel with everyday wear to create community friendly fashion.