Lisa Parady
Despite the bitter winter rain Boston University students attended Madewell’s Boston début, Thursday February 19th. With their white picket fence, floral arrangements, bold patterns and brightly colored tops, Madewell made shoppers feel like it was spring every day. Madewell, originally founded in New Bedford, MA circa 1937, returned to its roots finding a new home on 329 Newbury Street. Madewell’s doors officially opened to eager Newbury shoppers Tuesday February 17th. Boston University’s Fashion and Retail Association (FAB) hosted Madewell a homecoming Thursday evening.
FAB hosted the after-hours shopping event exclusively for BU students. Madewell encouraged students to purchase spring essentials including flowing, silk, patterned shirts; bright red, purple and yellow shorts; and leather knee-high riding boots. Perks to the event included a one night shopping discount for all students, free Madewell tote bag with purchase and refreshments including mini-cupcakes and flavored sparkling water. The Madewell brand also brought a local manicurist for complementary manicures and an embroiderer to sew custom decals on any denim purchase. Many shoppers stated these benefits added charm to the event. Danielle Gassert, a junior in the School of Education, commented “This event is adorable! The clothing is beautiful, the cupcakes are tasty and my blueberry soda was unique.”
During the event Alix Berger, Madewell Representative, was on hand answering questions about the brand. Berger was dressed as a trendy brand advocate wearing one of Madewell’s tailored navy sport jackets and purple suede boots. Berger stated, “We always host a launch party when a new store opens. We try to make it unique to its location.” Currently the brand has 11 locations across the nation including one in the Natick Mall.
The in-store shopping event also allowed for an insight into the fine details of the Madewell brand. Julie Miller, Madewell on Newbury Store Manager, did a walk through of the Spring 2009 collection. She promoted the brand’s chic, urban and original essence. Miller stopped at one of the main display tables and held up a pair of Madewell’s cropped technicolor pants which came in purple, green, pink, yellow, and a standard khaki. She also directed shopper’s to Madewell’s cotton graphic tees.
Miller paid close attention to the denim wall, which included Madewell’s three signature fits: Rail Straight, Skinny Low and Bootlegger. The wall extended from floor to ceiling, holding multiple styles, fits and colors of denim in little white cubbies.. Miller pulled samples from the wall to distinguish the difference between each cut. She also flipped the jeans over to feature the “M” stitched on the back corner pocket of each jean. Madewell’s Spring 2009 denim line features the Ex-Boyfriend jean; a straight leg with distressing, ripped holes and worn spots.
Throughout the walk-through Miller emphasized the importance of Madewell’s history. “Understanding the brand means understanding where we come from” she stated. The brand originated one hour south of Boston in New Bedford, Mass. as a workwear company specializing in blue jeans. Today, the Madewell motto is, “We know a thing or two about denim.” Today, Madewell is a subsidiary of J. Crew, the company whose chief executive officer is none other than BU alum, Mickey Drexler.
Although the store honored a special one night discount for shoppers at the event, Madewell will continue to honor a 15% student discount with valid student identification as part of their “Hooray for Financial Aid!” promotion targeting their primary shoppers: young, trendy, college students.
At the end of the evening Berger announced the Denim After Dark event, Newbury Street’s second in-store event of the season. Madewell will “celebrate all things denim;” Denim After Dark will be on Thursday, March 5th. As many students began to leave, with stuffed shopping bags and free totes in hand, they expressed excitement about the next in-store event. Walking out the door, Danielle Gassert stated, “I look forward to coming back.”
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Obama’s Victory and McCain’s Defeat
Lisa Parady
Barack Hussein Obama (D) made his victory speech to a reported several thousand people in Chicago’s Grant Park late Tuesday night and addressed the American people as the 44th president-elect of the United States. After 21 months of campaigning against Senator John McCain, Obama succeeded in a win of 51 percent to McCain’s 48 percent vote.
“Tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America," Obama stated in his speech to his supporters which aired on all major news organizations including CNN and MSNBC. Obama urged his supporters to recognize that with his victory comes a change in America and a new perspective on American fundamentals. Obama stated, “Tonight we prove, once more, that the true strength of our nation comes […] from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.”
Obama also honored his opponent, Senator McCain, by stating that McCain “has fought long and hard for this campaign.” Obama thanked McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for their contributions. “I look forward to working with them,” Obama stated.
John McCain (R) made his concession speech earlier Tuesday night outside the Biltmore Hotel in Arizona. McCain congratulated Obama on his victory saying, “His success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance.” McCain acknowledged his loss when stating, “We fought- we fought as hard as we could. And though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours.”
McCain’s audience was a much smaller group compared to Obama’s. But, McCain’s supporters stuck with him throughout his speech in chanting, “We love John” repeatedly throughout the night. McCain supporters consisted of older men and women, primarily white. Young adults and children made up a small portion of the audience.
Obama’s audience represented a larger crowd of mixed ethnicities, ages, and classes. Celebrity figures such as Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey were present. The supporters waved American flags, held large posters of Obama and wore his campaign t-shirts to show support. At one moment, in response to Obama, members of the audience began chanting “Yes-we-can,” in unison.
Obama appeared at center stage in a crisp black suit, white-collar Oxford shirt, a red striped tie and his American flag pin. His wife, Michelle Obama, and two daughters, Malia Ann and Natasha Obama, wore complementing dresses in black and red. Obama held a stern face throughout his speech, with little to no smile. The rigidness of his face, and shining dark-skinned complexion was prominent by the lighting on stage. When smiling, Obama never showed his teeth. Instead, he kept his lips pursed shut.
In the final moments of his speech, Obama made a strong promise to resolve the current issues in American politics, including the financial crisis and the War in Iraq. “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight, that we will get there. I promise you.”
Barack Hussein Obama (D) made his victory speech to a reported several thousand people in Chicago’s Grant Park late Tuesday night and addressed the American people as the 44th president-elect of the United States. After 21 months of campaigning against Senator John McCain, Obama succeeded in a win of 51 percent to McCain’s 48 percent vote.
“Tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America," Obama stated in his speech to his supporters which aired on all major news organizations including CNN and MSNBC. Obama urged his supporters to recognize that with his victory comes a change in America and a new perspective on American fundamentals. Obama stated, “Tonight we prove, once more, that the true strength of our nation comes […] from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.”
Obama also honored his opponent, Senator McCain, by stating that McCain “has fought long and hard for this campaign.” Obama thanked McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for their contributions. “I look forward to working with them,” Obama stated.
John McCain (R) made his concession speech earlier Tuesday night outside the Biltmore Hotel in Arizona. McCain congratulated Obama on his victory saying, “His success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance.” McCain acknowledged his loss when stating, “We fought- we fought as hard as we could. And though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours.”
McCain’s audience was a much smaller group compared to Obama’s. But, McCain’s supporters stuck with him throughout his speech in chanting, “We love John” repeatedly throughout the night. McCain supporters consisted of older men and women, primarily white. Young adults and children made up a small portion of the audience.
Obama’s audience represented a larger crowd of mixed ethnicities, ages, and classes. Celebrity figures such as Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey were present. The supporters waved American flags, held large posters of Obama and wore his campaign t-shirts to show support. At one moment, in response to Obama, members of the audience began chanting “Yes-we-can,” in unison.
Obama appeared at center stage in a crisp black suit, white-collar Oxford shirt, a red striped tie and his American flag pin. His wife, Michelle Obama, and two daughters, Malia Ann and Natasha Obama, wore complementing dresses in black and red. Obama held a stern face throughout his speech, with little to no smile. The rigidness of his face, and shining dark-skinned complexion was prominent by the lighting on stage. When smiling, Obama never showed his teeth. Instead, he kept his lips pursed shut.
In the final moments of his speech, Obama made a strong promise to resolve the current issues in American politics, including the financial crisis and the War in Iraq. “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight, that we will get there. I promise you.”
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Slow Move Over
Lisa Parady
Celebrating her native culture, Preeti Patel is shown to the right participating in a traditional Indian wedding last November. The photo is courtesy of Miss Patel.
BOSTON- Preeti Patel, 20, recalls her childhood in Maryland as being comparable to her parents’ native town in India with a major change in culture, of course. In a recent interview conducted in Preeti’s dorm room on the Boston University campus, Preeti states she been visiting the town of Rajkot, India, “every other year since I was born.” Although raised in the United States, she holds true to her family’s culture daily.
Preeti has been living in a nine-person house in Glenwood, M.D. for five years. “My family has always stuck together. I remember my father telling me when he first immigrated over to America he was living in a one-bedroom with eight of his family members,” Preeti said.
Born in Rajkot, Harshil Patel, Preeti’s father, was one of 10 siblings. At the age of 20, Harshil decided to educate himself in the sciences to “make a better life.” He was one out of four sons of the family to attend a university. Harshil’s eldest brother was the first to leave India in search for something better in America. “This allowed my father to come over to America after obtaining an H-1 working visa. Slowly, the whole family moved over.”
Preeti is well versed in her father’s history. “He just loves to tell stories!” According to Preeti, her mother has a much simpler background. Akta Patel also attended a university, where she met the brothers of Harshil and received a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Akta was pre-arranged to marry Harshil after her graduation in India. After their engagement in 1977, Harshil and Akta decided to immigrate to America to follow Harshil’s brother.
Harshil now runs a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in Maryland. The family lives in a large home filled with relatives and tradition. “My family is firm on not eating meat. I wish I grew up eating meat, but they just aren’t like that.”
While Preeti embraces her Indian culture, she does state, “I am happy to have been born in America.” Preeti’s dark black hair runs the length of her back. She has large, rounded brown eyes, and her bright white smile shines against her dark skin. Preeti can be found in GAP blue jeans, a black tee-shirt, and a well embellished, beaded and bright turquoise scarf wrapped around her neck. “These scarves are so beautiful, and they are set in my tradition.”
Preeti continues, “I feel lucky to be living here. Almost my entire family is here, everyone except two of my cousins.” Preeti states that one of her cousins has been waiting almost 30 years to immigrate to the United States.
While she admits she is not certain on what policies the United States has on immigration, Preeti did say, “The process is ridiculous.” She continued by saying her family will wait and follow the legal process. “I don’t understand how so many illegal immigrants are able to get through the system here,” Preeti said. She was firm in stating her family has followed all rules and regulations.
Preeti’s final comment on immigration was that she hopes to see her entire family living in America one day. She states, “I’m not sure why it has taken my cousin this long. Sometimes you just have to wait.”
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