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Check Out Final Issue of Vol. 57 and This Years 1st Semester Issue!
Ms. Christina Andres, a 2016 Damien grad, UH Manoa grad, and influential Chemistry teacher, inspires her students through science and academics and her creative, colorful, and fashion-forward finds. When asked if she ever felt pressure when she was younger to change her style to fit in, Ms. Andres shared, “...of course, especially when I was younger I was trying to fit in and be with ... the trends but I think as I got older I found my personal style so it’s kind of like a mix of what I like and what’s trending”. Ms. Andres’ style has been influenced by her Asian culture as well as some of her favorite celebrities such as Tyler the Creator. She says she appreciates his creativity and freedom in his style. Style shows our ability to mix and match and tells a story behind the person wearing them. For example, her style draws more toward baggy fits, patterned jeans, comfy sweaters, bright colors, and relaxed silhouettes. These choices capitalize on some of her favorite modern-day fashion trends such as streetwear and the ‘Stussy’ brand. When asked about her favorite old-school fashion trends Ms. Andres answered, “...I really like the 70's actually, like bell bottoms, little ascots, the color choices back then are very creative so I look back on that a lot”.
Ms. Andres gave some words of advice on how style can influence self-confidence saying, “I feel like it's a way for you to show your personality without saying anything, it’s like a statement in itself in a way, and a way for you to connect with other people”. Shoutout to Mr. Nitta for being Ms. Andres’ favorite best-dressed Damien staff member with his quote, “Grandpa fits,” and Kaylee Nihoa for her car Crocs which Ms. Andres says she's “thoroughly impressed with”. Overall, it’s safe to say Ms. Andres has earned the status of fashion expert from all of us here at Ke Ali’i. So this begs a question to you readers, who has your vote for best dressed Damien student and staff?
Mr. Jeffery McGivern is also an influential figure in the Damien school community. As the Campus minister, he has made many connections with the students and faculty of this school. He has an impact on the students' journeys in faith, and he shows out with his fly footwear. Growing up with a heavy athletic background, Mr. McGivern’s style has been influenced by basketball, on and off the court. Mr. McGivern reflects on growing up seeing big-time athletes such as Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson during the 80s when he was in high school and college. Mr. McGivern says, “That had a big impact on me and my style and the things I like, it’s definitely connected to basketball”. His current style consists of Jordan 1s, basketball jerseys, minister fits, solid-colored collared shirts, and shoes that always match.
When asked about his favorite old-school fashion trends Mr. McGivern shares, “...back in the 80’s, there were all kinds of different styles, we had the hip-hop culture, influenced by the music, influenced by sports... and even though I wore all those things back then, even though I wear it now people go, ‘wow that’s a nice look,’ or ‘oh Mr. I like your fit,’ ‘Mr. Your drip is on point,’ but those are the things I was wearing back in the day and I still wear those things now”. Since different styles and trends change through generations, it can be hard for people to find the confidence to wear what they feel is great, but others may not feel the same. When asked his advice on how to find the confidence to step up and step out he said, “... I remember reading a quote, or someone said it, it’s by a famous designer named Coco Chanel, she said "... ‘If a woman dresses shabbily, people notice the clothes, but if a woman dresses impeccably, they notice her,’ that's something that stuck with me a long time ago, you can dress sloppily, you know, no judgment but if you dress on point, people notice you as a person”. That’s not all his fashion secrets though, Mr. McGivern also shared his favorite fashion secret; never buy a shoe fresh off the assembly line. Mr.McGivern says, “I do love shoes, but more than that I love getting a great deal on a shoe, sometimes if a shoe comes out and it’s really nice iI’ll wait like 6 months or a year when it’s like clearance or half off, then iI’ll get it. I don’t buy full price, I don’t buy retail”. A great piece of advice for everyone to take into consideration when ballin’ on a budget. Mr. McGivern mentions that he wants to see more Damien students' personal styles by getting more chances to earn more dress- down days. So Damien student body, what will you do to earn more chances to express yourself and showcase your personality through fashion?
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