University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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ts Street Jits local, or pairs ' e jeans, Bin stores 15 jectively. A center for creativity and individuality, Massachusetts Street always had drawn the diverse student population of the University of Kansas. A collection of independ- ent record stores, trendy used-clothing shops and cozy coffee shops, the unique strip attracted students who sought something a little different maybe a vintage skirt or a rare Descendents CD. But at the north end of the street sat a newer set of build- ings. Chain clothing stores sprang up in the 600 block and received mixed reactions. The Gap and Abercrombie and Fitch welcomed neighbors Eddie Bauer in September and American Eagle in November. Some students said the stores filled a cloth- ing market void in Lawrence, while others bemoaned a corpo- rate intrusion that could take away from the character and atmosphere of downtown. David Mazzarese, Overland Park senior, said Lawrence needed stores such as The Gap and Abercrombie and Fitch because many students donned the stores ' fashions. Driving to Overland Park everytime I want to go to Abercrombie and Fitch would be a hassle, he said. It fits in Lawrence because so many people wear the clothes. Ken Gillaspie, manager of Eddie Bauer, said that the new store ' s location was profitable, and that business in Lawrence was good. He said that 30 percent of Eddie Bauer ' s business came from students, and that they benefitted from being located BORDERS BOOKS ' MUSIC CAFE near The Gap. It ' s going to help all of us, he said of the stores ' grouping. People are coming down to this destination; it tends to bring the entire family down. Commercialization in a town that supported its locals was a concern. Ellen Wise, manager of Arizona Trading Company, a buy- sell-trade establishment, said the new stores would be a positive addition to the community. If anything we ' re going to see more stuff, she said about her store ' s business. The more stores we have in town, the more variety we ' ll have. People have money and they ' ll want that outlet. I don ' t think if it had an adverse affect on Lawrence the community would support it, but this has always been a pro- local business town. Terah Davis, Bucklin junior, said she preferred the old eclectic flavor of Massachusetts Street. The local shops are quaint, and I think that maybe they could have put the trendy chain stores somewhere else in town, she said. The trend of commercialization on Massachusetts Street, however, added to the diverse sampling of stores. The shopping experience in Lawrence became richer with the additions; there truly was something for everyone. Left: Borders bookstore recently landed in Lawrence to the dismay of local lovers of The Raven bookstore. Right: Sylas and Maddy ' s gave national ice cream vendors a run for their money when it came to taste. Story by Amanda Hay Pho tos by Brad Dreier 13

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(J Z Z i i i Massachusetts Street compromised its local, eclectic feel for pairs of trendy flare jeans. Top: The 600 block of Massachusetts street became home to new national chain stores such as Eddie Bauer and American Eagle, which opened in September and November, respectively. Bottom: Sunflower Bike Shop boasted a local flavor typical of downtown Lawrence. CD.

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diggin our duds Clothes-minded KU students produced a fashionably diverse campus. To wear or not to wear? That was no longer the question. Fashion trends at the University of Kansas were as diverse as the students were. Milling through the masses on Wescoe Beach, one could find students decked out in the latest spaghetti-strap tank top design from Abercrombie and Fitch, as well as individuals proudly exhibiting a rare find from a second-hand shop. There were the extremes those who matched plaids and florals or opted for no shoes - and there were the mainstream in pairs of comfy jeans and baby t-shirts. But each ensemble was a unique form of self-expression. The clothing worn on campus could not be characterized as standard. Despite the trends of modern culture, a stroll down Jayhawk Boulevard lent access to nearly all types of styles. No two people dress alike, said Kandice Sanaie, Yates Center freshman. I am amazed by the many different styles and especially by how accepting people are of fashion eccentricities at KU. While KU students were known for pushing extreme limits with fashion, they were all inter- ested hi one thing comfort. This interest resulted in numerous outfits highlighting comfort and style. Jeans with sweaters or t-shirts often were seen. Comfort on campus is essential when sitting through hours of lectures and discussions, said Kim Brower, Overland Park junior. Evidence of following fashion trends was seen on the streets of campus as well. Many students found it exciting to adopt for their own wardrobes the newest trends in fashions found in maga- zines and television. I like dressing trendy, said Sarah Osbem, Piper sophomore. It ' s always different, so it makes me feel adventurous. Other students opted for a style popularized in the 1960s and 1970s. Nearly all students sport- ed jeans with flared ankles or jeans with pattern designs at the ankle. I don ' t like the tapered look, I like my jeans to flare out, said Amy Randolph, Lenexa jun- ior. I think bootcut jeans are just more comfortable. All students ' styles were accepted by their peers on campus, evidence that students at the University encouraged individuality and creative expression inside the classroom and out on the Boulevard. Story by Alana Terry Photos by Brad Dreier 14 fashion -