Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

Page 22 text:

What’s the “latest rage,” the “popular fad,” or just “in?” In today’s ever-changing world, it’s difficult to keep up with trends. Throughout the world, people’s tastes, attitudes, and interests change at the debut of any new progression. Any exciting person, place, movement, or idea can spur a world-wide awareness and adoption of the resulting trend. Glances of student life at WPI reveal some evidence that the current trends have trickled their way into our campus through the students, who represent such a diverse cultural and geographic variety. Trends fall into many categories, rang¬ ing in areas such as food, fashion, music, language and politics, and disappear just as quickly as they appear. Coleco Corpora- Dare anyone be seen without their Reeboks on campus. 18 Student Lif 1 e The Latest Rage don’s “Cabbage Patch Kids” won the hearts of many children and adults across America. Throughout the year, stores sel¬ ling these dolls began actual “wait lists” to satisfy consumer demand, a similar proce¬ dure long ago instituted by WPI. Our na¬ tion raised its banners in protest against the “new Coca-Cola,” yet later toasted in victory, reinstating “Classic Coke” as “The Real Thing.” Other examples of trends are reflected in the youth of America. No young, aspiring basketball star would dare be caught without a pair of “AIR- JORDAN” sneakers, and dance moves are now incomplete without a few “moon walks” or “waves.” Europe has always been a great leader in fashion, an area considered to be the target of all trends. The “baggy look” seemed to be very popular abroad and at WPI, as students tossed on over-sized jackets, shirts, and sweaters for a nouveau and comfort¬ able look. “Swatches” were a trendy item this year, as Time took on a bright, bizarre forms of water-resistant watches. Students donned Vuarnet sunglasses or similar reproductions on sunny D-term days, while throwing on British Reebok or Converse high-top sneakers. California provided some flashy fashion in the “JAMS” and “Ocean Pacific” Sportswear. Hair styles also underwent some vogue changes. The ducktail of generations past has now been replaced by braided “tails,” radical hair symmetry, and hair coloring. More dramatic coiffures include “spikes,” “mohawks,” “whiffles,” or a sleek, shaven look. Television and music have an over¬ whelming influence on the world, directing attention to a variety of interests. “Miami Vice” star Don Johnson promotes the un¬ shaven, T-shirt and jacket appearance. Madonna adds a new definition to

Page 21 text:

Do-It-Yourself Housing 1 ' ' ‘ ifw.. fcfiiNt WIKl A typically stocked student apartment includes: tuna fish, beer, peanut butter, beer, wine, beer, etc. Gee, the maid must have taken the weekend off (above). Budding entrepreneur Terry Regan takes a break from checking out various blue chip stocks to smile for the camera. Student Life 17

Page 23 text:

H What’s Hot, What’s Not The perfect outfit must include shades and a Swatch.