spring fashion supplement to the dally nebraskan
monday, april 7, 1930
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Students are influencing
trends of top designers
By Laure Pcrlingcr
Fashion ha long influenced college stu
dents across the country. And changing
times have brought changing fashion
trends. But the tables have turned, and to
day the students are influencing top-of-the-.fine
designers and providing creative ideas
for designer looks of the 80s.
The "preppy" look, originating from
the college campus, is becoming popular
throughout the country, said Warren
Hirsch. president of Gloria Vanderbilt
Murjani International in New York City.
"People are going back to those traditional
looks." he said.
Fashion is influenced by color and
mood, according to Hirsch. "In times of
depression, you want to wear something to
brighten your day."
Denim is a very big seller, along with
I0O percent cotton, and yarn-dyed plaids.
The basic body of the jean has become a
lifestyle." said Hirsch. This spring the
baggy jeans will be going out. but there is a
new version of the baggy, called the trous
er. which is less baIloony and not as taper
ed at the hemline. It will give a woman
more shape, he said.
Shorter skirts
The trend in skirts is shorter, with
noticeable change by spring. Tops in new
colors will be marketed soon.
Gloria Vanderbilt oversees the entire
advertising, promotion and personnel
department of Murjani International. "We
do sit down with her and .discuss fabrica
tion and color to be used," said Hirsch, re
ferring to himself and the designers and
merchandisers, "but she can no longer be
primarily involved with every detail of the
corporation. T.. ; :
"Wc have five designers and three mer
chandisers who basically create the pro
ducts." said Hirsch. There are six presen
tations per year, with a constant cycle of
fashion creation and production. Some
type of new product is marketed every 60
days. The total time from creation of a
particular design unti! it is marketed usual
ly runs 120 to 180 days, said Hirsch. who
with other Murjani personnel travels ex
tensively to promote Gloria Vanderbilt
designs.
Biggest success
The company recently introduced mer
chandise in the . United Kingdom, the
biggest success in a single day since Murjani
International's ' beginning, three and one
half years ago. according to Hirsch.
"The English are ultraconservative peo
ple, but the colors and styles were so excit
ing that they (fashions) stood out like a
sore thumb, and they loved them " he said.
The company introduced designs for the
first time ever at the House of Lourdes.
and just last week held a "Gloria Vander
bilt Week" in Philadelphia.
These promotional trips enable Murjani
International to introduce their latest de
signs to fashiom companies and ultimately
to the consumers themselves consumers
want it, they'll Iook.for it inthe store and
buy it, Hirsch said.
' Gloria Vanderbilt Murjani employs
about 300 workers, including personnel
from executive, designing, sales, computer,
cargo and shipping departments. Since its
beginning, the company has grown to a
S325 million business.
"We just don't allow for setbacks," said
Hirsch. "We haven't had a setback yet in
over three years."
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