The Communicator • A Student Voice

Contrary to stereotype, fashion and individuality go hand in hand. There is no “in” this season, “out” the next; what is held paramount is personal aesthetic and the ability to present oneself in the truest way possible. The strongest collections this season showed distinctly different looks—which can be seen in the accompanying photos—but maintained a commonality in their concise direction. Individuality was the buzzword this season, it was less about trends and more about personal style. What came of this was a variety that everyone should find something in.
One overriding theme of inspiration was a sort of modern tribal eccentricity. Seen at Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten, this look involves tribal prints on and mixed with eclectic articles of clothing. The key to this trend is the mixture of patterns, prints, and eras. The amalgamation of these references creates a modern look that can be tweaked to suit your personal style.
At Prada and Lanvin, there was a sense of modern decadence in the clothes. Crystals and plastic were featured at Prada, while beading and ornamentation were shown at Lanvin. This trend translates easily into everyday with a bit of searching. Sequins and crystals are easy to find, but opt for the non-obvious; go for a champagne or grey rather than a bright saturated color. On the runways this trend was overt and opulent, but a little can still go a long way.
To offset the opulence and the eclecticism, there is the dark and austere. Riccardo Tisci’s Spring 2010 collection for Givenchy encapsulated this attitude. Black jackets with sharp nipped shoulders created the strong silhouette and were embellished with pleats. This look is easily pulled off but demands a good tailor. Value-World or Salvation Army are the best places to find blazers because they are inexpensive and are usually well made, but make sure to have it cut to specific individual measurements.
Spring 2010 offers a sartorial variety that is not typical of fashion. Though sequins, tribal prints, or sharp black jackets may give you are more “forward” look, it ultimately comes down to dressing for yourself.

Aiko Fukuchi, a Community High School junior, has had heart conditions from the time she was born. She has dealt with these problems well through her sixteen years, but now she is facing an even bigger issue.

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These days, when most of the teenage population knows about the whole Twilight/Vampire hype, it’s hard to pick up a book from the teen section at any book store or library that doesn’t have something to do with vampires. They are appearing everywhere and are constantly changing in behavior and appearance: from Stephenie Meyer’s sparkly vampires who never sleep to P.C Cast’s tattooed, nocturnal ones (who don’t sparkle in the sun).

Blood-drinking, drop-dead gorgeous, and usually un-dead, vampires are starting to appear everywhere. Even in some books aimed at children. Not such a bad thing, right? With this many options, then if Twilight isn’t your cup of tea, you should have no problem finding at least one book that fills your thirst for vampire books.

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In Roman Polanski’s latest thriller “The Ghost Writer”, Ewan McGregor plays a likable British author who is hired at the last minute to rewrite the memoirs of former Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan).  On his first day at the job, McGregor learns two distressing facts: his predecessor died a mysterious death only a few days earlier, and his boss is being investigated for war crimes.

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Former director of the University of Michigan MFA program, Peter Ho Davies will visit Tracy Rosewarne and Ellen Stone’s block 6 writer’s way class on Tuesday, March 30.  Ho Davies is the author of two short story collections, “The Ugliest House in the World” and “Equal Love”.  His novel “The Welsh Girl” was published in 2007.

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The Community High School Team A Mock Trial Team placed first in the State Tournament on March 27, 2010 in Lansing. In one of the tightest margins in years, a split vote and seven-point difference gave Community High School the first place trophy and Kalamazoo Central High School second. Following the success of the Eastern Regional Tournament, the team faced Forest Hills Northern High School, Grand Blanc High School and Ypsilanti High School prior to the final round against Kalamazoo. The team, lead by Cheryl Grace, beat out 9 other State Finalists to represent Michigan in the National Tournament. The National Mock Trial Tournament will be held in Philidelphia on May 6, 2010.

Team Members:
Garret Wood, Elise Wander, Michael Savage, Max Lewis, Jack Kausch, Michelle Grifka, Jacob Garber, Mira Fishman, Savannah Dix, Shadi Ahmadmehrabi

On Tuesday it was announced that Stefano Tonchi will be taking over as the editor-in-chief of W. His replacement has not yet been named, but it is planned that his first day at W will be April 12th.

“Stefano Tonchi is an extraordinarily versatile editor whose expertise in the world of art, fashion, design, and entertainment will help W realize its full potential in both print and digital formats,” said Condé Nast editorial director Thomas J. Wallace. “We welcome him back to Condé Nast.” via Fashionologie.com

The transition between W of now and of tomorrow is to be gradual, says Tonchi. “Nothing is going to be traumatic. I don’t think there is any rush to make a revolution. It’s an evolution, it’s not a revolution” via Fashionologie.com

Sources: fashionologie.com | Style.com

ALSO APPEARS IN The Communicator, Volume 24, Edition 5

Spencer challenges Jesse to basketball

I don’t know what to say. I’m out of excuses; the well has run dry. I must admit, before this week I was very close to giving up on Spencer Vs. all together. Then, while surfing the Web, I came across an O.J. Simpson quote that really opened my eyes. The Juice said, “The day you take complete responsibility for yourself, the day you stop making excuses, that’s the day you start to the top.” Granted, those are the words of a murdering criminal, but the message struck home and I pledged to myself that I would see Spencer Vs. through to the end.
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