ATD Fashion Show

This past Saturday (Feb. 26) we were invited to attend the Annual ATD (Apparel and Textile Design) Fashion Show. The show delivered everything it promised and more, from designs made entirely out of recycled gloves to those made of lottery tickets; each look told a story. Some who attended last year's event (which went by the name of Student Apparel Design Association’s (SADA) Fashion Show) may be wondering what was so different at this year's show. For starters, it was only open to students in the ATD major and each designer was limited to three garments (there was also no theme). Despite these big changes, the department should be proud because they really showcased what the major has to offer and how talented our ATD Spartans are! After the show, we were able to catch board members Tommie Mianecki and Tess Theisen for a Q&A:

VIM: In the past, SADA shows were open to all students. What were some of the factors that played a role in the decision to only hold one fashion show open only to ATD students?
Tommie: We wanted to document and present the talent of the students in this major and have the opportunity to really showcase it.

VIM: Since there is no defined theme, was there an overall message you hope the show conveyed to the audience?
Tess: Each student has such a different mind and design…this was their opportunity to represent themselves. It’s nice not to have to push designers.
Tommie: Our goal was to put on an elegant fashion show but to let the designers tell their own story.

VIM: When do you begin preparing for such a big event?
Tommie: We began planning at the end of August and designs were due before winter break.

VIM: What are some of the things that are looked for in student designers when choosing what designs to feature?
Tess: They [the judges] try to pick your mind behind your design and they want to know that everything about the design has a purpose and a meaning.

VIM: What do you think the student designers benefit from most by participating in this event?
Tess: It’s a chance to feel proud of their hard work and show it off.
Tommie: It’s really exciting to see the final product especially when you know a design in and out…seeing it all come together is really rewarding.

VIM: Is there any advice you would give students who are considering pursuing a future in the fashion industry?
Tommie: Have persistence and work hard!
Tess: You need to love what you’re doing and be ready to put everything you’ve got into the industry.


*NOTE*: The evening's "Best Dress" winner was Rachel Hurley’s Petal Metal (first two pics from the left). Check out our gallery below for a glimpse of the show.

VIMwatch: 2011 Academy Awards

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards (promoted oddly as "Oscar" this year) have finally happened and the fashion was, again, fabulous. Below see our top picks of tonight's stunners.

Ladies


Again, Mila Kunis stunned on the red carpet (she is killing it lately!) in a purple, lace Elie Saab Haute Couture gown. Kunis' accessories were from Neil Lane (jewelry) and Bottega Veneta (clutch).


A performer for the night, Gwyneth Paltrow, looked amazing in her metallic-gold — or silver, we can't tell — Calvin Klein dress (the metallic look is quite the trend this awards season — tough to pull off but quite beautiful when done right). Paltrow topped off her look with Brian Atwood heels and a gorgeous Louis Vuitton ring (among other lovely accessories).




Gents


When it comes to the Academy Awards, the men tend to play it safe, sporting the classic tuxedo look. This style was brought to perfection on the 2011 red carpet by the men of The Social Network who all looked awesome (and might we say are part of one of the sexiest casts ever). From left, we have Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield and below right is Jesse Eisenberg.


Russell Brand, who took his mother to this year's Oscars (as his wife is currently on tour), was a presenter at this year's awards and we love his funky take on the penguin look. He chose a plaid undershirt and navy blue color with black accents to spice up his look.

Say 'No' to the Seventies

We're usually quick to jump on-board with the most current fashion trends because, let's face it, who doesn't love a new look? But this year's most recent trend, which aims to bring back the style of the Seventies, is not our cup o' tea.

Stylish celebs Vanessa Hudgens and January Jones were recently spotted out and about sporting psychadelic, bell bottom chic.

Our response? Oh please no.

We prefer to leave the 1970s where they are and seek to remember them solely through photos and footage of Woodstock (and maybe in period pics).

VIMwatch: 2011 BAFTAs

Ladies

If it hasn't been made obvious already, we pretty much adore Brown University sophomore and British actress Emma Watson. Last night, the Harry Potter hottie chose a one-shouldered, lace Valentino gown and absolutely stunned, putting many of the others to shame.

We simply couldn't come to a decision regarding our second choice so have decided it's a tie: The always lovely Amy Adams chose a salmon-colored Elie Saab gown for the event and the Fighter actress and mother wowed us from head to toe. Also, Harry Potter star and recently engaged young lady Bonnie Wright managed to create bohemian-chic for the red carpet in a creation from Clements Ribeiro.

Gents

Always a Spartan favorite, Gerard Butler looked dapper over the weekend as he sported a classic black-and-white suit and silk bow tie.

Second only to Gerard, designer Tom Ford attended the ceremony as Julianne Moore's date and looked ravishing in what we can only assume is his own, velvet coat creation. Work that red carpet, Tom.

VIMwatch: 2011 Grammy Awards

Ladies

Attending the award show to pay tribute to Ms. Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson stunned in her navy, mullet-style Versace number. She topped off the look with jewelry by Neil Lane and some fabulous Louboutin shoes.

One of our fave stars, Jennifer Lopez, is on quite the comeback press tour with multiple endorsement deals and a new stint on American Idol. JLo, seemingly, can do no wrong and last night at the Grammys was no exception as she rocked an amazing Pucci mini, looking like the prettiest disco ball we've ever seen. To add to her look, Lopez carried a Cartier clutch and sported Louboutin heels.





Gents

The men of Glee blew all the other nominees out of the water last night...by a mile. Most notable (and perhaps our favorite characters) were Kevin McHale and Darren Criss, who each ditched the classic, black tuxedo look for less conventional (yet absolutely adorable) white and gray suits, respectively.

VIM Picks: Best Ads of Super Bowl XLV

There are two things to take away from the Super Bowl each year: the game itself (especially the champs—congratulations Green Bay) and the advertisements. Below is VIM's countdown of this year's top five ads. Let us know if you agree (or disagree)!

5. Doritos (House Sitting)



4. Chevy Cruze (Status)



3. Bud Light (Product Placement)



2. NFL (American Family)




1. Chrysler (Imported from Detroit)

VIMwatch: 2011 SAG Awards

Ladies

Black Swan's Mila Kunis totally rocked her jewel tone Alexander McQueen gown and looked awesome. To add a little something more, Kunis chose a cinched belt and Cartier bracelet.

Actress Dianna Agron, of television's Glee, looked lovely in her Chanel Haute Couture dress. The multi-talented starlet also wore jewelry by Fred Leighton.



Gents

Taye Diggs broke the mold tonight by sporting a bow tie rather than standard and we think it works perfectly. We also appreciate his addition of color through the tie to spice up his look.

Soon-to-be (and currently filming) Spiderman, Andrew Garfield, looked dapper in his shiny, navy Burberry suit (and we love the turtle, brown-colored footwear).

MSU Competes in 2011 RecycleMania

This year, Michigan State University will be competing against over 600 other schools in the 2011 RecycleMania Tournament.

To help our university triumph, simply recycle all your cardboard, boxboard, plastics, etc. in any of the numerous bins throughout campus between Feb. 6 and April 2.

For a full list of materials that may be recycled and to track MSU's progress from week to week visit the MSU Recycling website HERE.

VIM up for 'Top of the Town' Award!

VIM Magazine is up for the Best Student Publication award in this year's Top of the Town Awards brought to you by Lansing City Pulse and WLNS TV 6.

VOTE HERE (in the "...WHATEVER" category)

Winners will be announced March 9!

VIMwatch: 2011 Golden Globes

This year's Golden Globes saw many fabulous fashion moments...and a few flops--Helena Bonham Carter anyone? Though it was tough, we've chosen our favorites below.

Ladies

Olivia Wilde, of Tron, owned the night in her lovely, princess-inspired Marchesa gown. Perhaps the best, and smartest, aspect of Wilde's look is her all around minimalism on everything but the dress. It must also be said that she looks awesome with bangs.

Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester worked last night's red carpet in not one but two major trends of the evening (neutral shades and long-sleeves) and, though many may not agree, we think she pulled them off the best. From her hair and makeup down to her shoes, Meester managed to make her untraditional Burberry dress truly stand out and looked absolutely beautiful.

Gents

Robert Pattinson rocked a gorgeous, midnight navy Gucci tuxedo. Not to mention we are loving (!) his new, shorter hair. Can you say swoon?

Though we think Johnny Depp looked great in his tuxedo-sans-tie, we're going with The Social Network's Jesse Eisenberg as our other best dressed male of the Globes. Eisenberg wore a wide peak, Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo--a vast improvement from his Mark Zuckerberg wardrobe.

VIMwatch: 2011 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Ladies

Not only did the hilarious Emma Stone walk away last night a winner (for Best Comedy--Easy A) but she absolutely stunned on the red carpet. Stone wore a gorgeous, mesh Balenciaga halter dress. It can't be easy to pull of that much silver, but girlfriend worked it.

Our second choice for the evening is Miss Natalie Portman, who is nearly impossible not to love and also walked away a winner (for Best Actress...dare we say she has an Oscar in her near future?). Portman has been repeatedly attempting to hide her baby bump this awards season and we think this is her best look yet. For the evening she wore a simple, black-and-white Gianfranco Ferre column dress.

[Sidenote: This has us all giddy for Golden Globe/Oscar fashion. Eek!]

Gents

Oh, Ryan Gosling, how we love you AND your style. Gosling broke out the big guns last night in a purple Ferragamo brocade jacket with velvet collar. Needless to say, we think he totally rocked it. While Blue Valentine didn't pick up an award for the evening, we still have hope.

Another stylish male, John Legend, stepped up his fashion game in a shiny Gucci suit with patterned tie. Impressive showing, gents. Very impressive.

VIMwatch: 2011 People's Choice Style

It's our favorite time of year...award season! The 2011 People's Choice Awards have just wrapped and we've got our picks for best fashion of the night.

Ladies


In a lovely Farah Angsana gown and Casadei heels, Ashley Tisdale, of High School Musical fame, stole the red carpet. We love the colors and detail in this dress and not to mention her wonderfully accessorized Swarovski clutch (see photo below). We must note, however, that Tisdale's too-tan skin was not the most flattering we have seen.



Actress/Singer Selena Gomez walked home the night a winner (and performer) and managed to do it with double the style. Now, we always think this 18-year-old looks great, but tonight she truly wowed us with not one but two gorgeous choices--our favorite being the second, print dress by former Project Runway winner Irina Shabayeva with Louboutin shoes, donned during her performance with The Scene. Note: The red carpet look was a Paule Ka dress, Zanotti pumps, and accessory accents in the form of teardrop earrings and a giant ring (see miniature photos below).


Gents


Zac Efron stepped out for the evening in a Burberry suit looking as handsome as ever. Our favorite hottie is currently sporting a buzz cut as a result of his upcoming big screen portrayal of a soldier. Not to mention, Mr. Efron took home the award for Choice Movie Star Under 25.


It looks like we can't get enough of celebs named "Zac/Zack/Zach" lately because our second male choice, Zachary Levi, falls right into that category. We love it when men change it up a bit and Levi's royal blue suit does just that. Props, Zachary, props.

Our New Year's Wish

We realize this clutch isn't quite a "new" item, but we still find it absolutely fabulous and fun...plus, it's Chanel.

Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, this one-of-a-kind clutch is a throwback to better, more classic times--the eighties. We kid, we kid...kind of.

The item retails for around $1,500 on sites like Luxirare.

What's on your 2011 fashion wish list?