Tuesday, July 3, 2007

FIDM Graduation at The Greek Theater

It's that time again, Graduation time. The Spring Quarter ended a couple of weeks ago at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where I am an Instructor, and I for one, was very happy. I had a full load of SIX classes and over 120 students' papers, patterns and final presentations to grade--on top of my already extra full schedule. Needless to say, I was pooped!

I was asked by the Fashion Department Chair to attend the 2007 Graduation, as a "Special Guest", which means that once again I would be sitting on the stage with all the illustrious department chairs , honorees, president of the school, and so on. I was invited last year to do so and I was very honored then, as well as now. I was also asked to give a speech and announce the Outstanding Fashion Design Student Award. It was a very hot Saturday morning but thank God, we VIP'ers stayed cool under the famed Greek Theater's roof (and in my fabulous Seersucker cotton jacket!).

The crowd of about 2000 graduating kids and families went crazy when I was announced. (Hello, I felt like Kelly Clarkson all over again!) and I nervously did my speech, gave the award and did a meet-and-greet with former students as well as their families. It was a nostalgic event for me, since I had taught a lot of this year's graduating class and had seen these students mature and progress into outstanding young adults I was very proud of. I especially have fun memories of "my kids" from my Collection Development class from several quarters ago. It was one of the best groups I had: Talented, driven and very creative. Exactly what FIDM should be honored to call "their own".

Monday, July 2, 2007

Crocs

Lately walking on the streets, I've seen an uncomfortable amount of people wearing these:

Yes, by "these," I mean Crocs. There is even a whole colorful store in the best shopping district in Hong Kong devoted to the distribution of these Crocs.
I know that Bush has been seen sporting these recently, but he's hardly the icon of fashion and trends now. So WHY would the general population be seen in public wearing these, when they are not boating or doing outdoorsy things as they were originally designed for? They are certainly not flattering no matter what angle you're looking from.

But according to the Crocs site, these are the reasons why:
  1. Really soft, super comfortable, molds to your feet: well people are certainly not wearing them because they look good

  2. Barely there, weighing only 6 ounces: flip flops are barely there either...

  3. Vented so air passes through, keeping feet cool: again, so are flip flops

  4. Non-marking slip-resistant soles: a valid point

  5. Bacteria and odor resistant: thats certainly a plus seeing as how it looks plastic

  6. Ultra-hip Italian styling: It may possibly be Italian styling, but ultra hip?

  7. Port holes allow water and sand to pass through: and thats a good point because?

  8. Can be sterilized in water and bleach: well if it allows water and sand through, it'll obviously allow water and bleach through.....

  9. Easy maintenance, just wipe clean: it does look plastic...

  10. Orthotic molded foot bed for ultimate comfort and support: Is this the same as #1?

Basically, comfort, support and practicality are their selling points. So unless you are boating and doing outdoorsy things in which case these shoes may be practical, please, do NOT wear them around in public. There are just as comfortable and more easy on the eye options out there, like flats, sneakers, flip flops and *gasp* (even) birkenstocks!

Photo Credits: Crocs