by Sara Fabian / photos by Blaine Ewig
Since you’re already taking notes on your professors’ lectures, why not take a sartorial (tailored) lesson from them, as well?
When most people think of a “college professor”, the image of tweed and corduroy, grey flannel, well-worn leather shoes, with a beat up satchel and some wire-framed glasses is what pops into many heads. “Interdisciplinary” is the buzzword at Evergreen and remains true to the stylistic and aesthetic ideals of many professors. Each has an aesthetic eye for fashion, style, and its relation to today’s culture. From my brief interviews, it’s safe to say that style is something each of these talented people take somewhat seriously – not serious enough though to tell you the labels they wear, or if they put the blue tie with the black blazer, or the cool band t-shirt underneath their outerwear jacket – but serious on a philosophical level, as style and fashion become a way to express their cultural or counter-cultural viewpoints.
Steve Niva, a political science and Arab studies professor at Evergreen, explained that his style during the infamous new wave/punk era was that of a non-conformist. He believes that negating the norm, a form of counter-culture, is the anti-style. Steve wears combos or tailored blazers and sweater vests, with vintage ties and eighties tapered slacks.
Shaw Osha, an art history professor, made it perfectly clear that her style is what she finds aesthetically pleasing, not the overtly sexual and degrading body culture of the fashion industry. She doesn’t want to promote the negative body images the industry so openly pushes. This is why the up and coming New York designer, Rick Owens, means a lot to her. In Owens’ recent Paris Fashion Week Summer collection, there is an emphasis on the architectural and playful uniforms of both the clothing the models wear and the creative step dancing they perform on the runway. This is her fashion inspiration, a creative approach to what makes a person feel beautiful.
Fashion is a concept generally left up to personal interpretation. Each professor approaches fashion by dissecting it and partaking in creative analysis with a philosophical, anthropological, and psychoanalytical eye. These professors are giving us some notes on their philosophy of fashion.
SHAW OSHA
1. What is your favorite article of clothing?
The uniform, like a jumper. Basics that transcend and transform.
2. What is the best part of being a professor?
Promoting visual literacy, living a life of the mind, and dedicating a life full of learning.
3. Who is your style icon?
Rick Owens, famous American designer who recently turned heads during 2013 Paris Fashion Week when models performed a step dance.
STEVE NIVA
1. What is your favorite article of clothing?
Vest. A grey, wool vest.
2. What is the best part of being a professor?
Helping students participate and learn.
3. Who is your style icon?
Slavoj Zizek, Slovenian philosopher and cultural critic.
AMJAD FAUR
1. What is your favorite article of clothing?
Old jean jacket, it’s five years old, even though it looks about 10.
2. What is the best part of being a professor?
Watching the “light bulbs” go off over a students head.
3. Who is your style icon?
Vincent Price, famous horror film actor and icon
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