Functional Fashion, Thursday, Period 1

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

"Good day, class," Lulu said, as she sat down on the lawn in front of the school, where her students had handwavily been informed to meet; she gestured for her students to do the same. "I thought we'd take advantage of today's nice weather to talk outside, since this first class is going to be mostly discussion anyway.

"This workshop," she continued, "is on what I like to call 'functional fashion'. What this means is clothing that both serves a specific function while appealing to aesthetics. Take, for example, my skirt." She stood, letting the belts fall together, shaking them slightly to get them to settle properly. "This is an example of non-functional fashion -- it looks pretty, but there's no purpose to it beyond that visual appeal. My bodice, however," and here she gestured to her huge... tracts of land, "is designed to be visually appealing while also keeping my breasts from falling out. This is even more of a concern," she added, "when one's gift for magic requires one to swoop --" and here she demonstrated, her arms dipping forward as she bent at the waist [there are a few examples of it in that vid, when she casts the 'Waterga' spell], "-- forward as part of the casting. While it's only actually good design, several of my friends still swear that I must use magic to keep from... accidentally putting myself on display for all to see."

Lulu settled herself back on the ground, folding her legs beneath her. "We'll start today with introductions," she began, "so that we can all get to know each other, and then what I'd like to ask of you today," she said, "is to pick one article of clothing that you are wearing, and explain how it is either functional or non-functional. Also, if you have any questions about the syllabus," which she now handed out, "or anything in particular that you would like to see added to it, feel free to bring that up as well."

At the end of class, before everyone could get up, Lulu called their attention to her again. "There is one last thing," she said. "As it says on your syllabus, over the course of this term, I'm going to be asking each of you to design three outfits, The outfits must fit a theme of your choosing -- and yes, all three outfits must fit the same theme. This project will not be due until the last day of class, so you will have plenty of time to learn more about fashion before then; still, it might be worth starting to think about it now."

[Plz wait for OCD is up! I'm around a while longer tonight, but then tomorrow day I'm finishing up my move into my new place and the working 4-close, and then I'll be around for at least a few hours after 10 Eastern, I hope, if I can manage to get out of work at a decent time.]

Comments

Sign In

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

Fashionably, but not fashionably late!

Re: Sign In

[senor-chado.livejournal.com]

Yasutora Sado

Before Class

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

For one in particular, but also in case anyone would like to poke Lulu before class starts.

Re: Before Class

[senor-chado.livejournal.com]

Chad knew that it was probably a bit...ridiculous to be nervous about a class like this, especially since he had Miss Lulu for that cooking class, but...he was. He couldn't help it. So, even though it was ridiculously early to get to class early, there he was, strolling onto the lawn before class.

"Miss Lulu?"

Introductions

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

"My name is Lulu," she began, "and I'm from the isle of Besaid on the world known as Spira. My interest in fashion began when I reached puberty, and had... ample challenges with which to deal." Follow the drill: name, class, where you're from, and what got you interested in fashion.

Re: Introductions

[not-fangirl.livejournal.com]

Temari crossed her arms over her chest, planning to murder her brothers for this.

"Temari. Senior. Sunagakure. I have no interest in fashion."

Re: Introductions

[scary-jeff.livejournal.com]

"I'm, er--"

He couldn't say anything. He just couldn't say anything. He had to say something.

"Breasts," Jeff blurted, "Cleavage. Frontal bumper. Bazookas." He made a desperate gesture in an attempt to scramble-- "...Lumps."

Re: Introductions

[imac-kenzie.livejournal.com]

"My name's Mac," she started. "I'm from California, and... really not that big a fashion enthusiast."

Re: Introductions

[senor-chado.livejournal.com]

"Uh, I'm Yasutora Sado," he said. "Everyone calls me Chad; I'm, uh, from Japan. And Mexico, and I started to get into fashion I think it was last summer when I took a modeling class. I'm kind of trying to...you know...do that. So you gotta know about fashion. Well, you don't gotta. But you should."

Re: Introductions

[gameknowsgame.livejournal.com]

"Blair Waldorf," Blair said. "I'm a junior from New York City and my mother is a fashion designer."

Re: Introductions

[shyest-eyes.livejournal.com]

"Hyuuga Hinata, s-sophomore, I'm from Konohagakure a-and I don't know why I-I'm in my class o-other than my F-Father signed me up for it."

Re: Introductions

[dojima-hime.livejournal.com]

"Dōjima Yurika, senior. I'm from Tokyo, Japan, but half a step over from this reality, and I don't remember a time I wasn't interested in fashion," Dōjima answered. "I love shopping, and I love the chance to try out new things."

Re: Introductions

[absolutesnark]

"I'm Summer Roberts," Summer began. "I'm a senior and I'm from Newport Beach, California. I've been interested in fashion since I was born. Sometimes my old school even had fashion shows."

Then she added almost as an afterthought, "For charity."

Re: Introductions

[iseewhatyoumean.livejournal.com]

Cassandra's voice was quiet but fairly clear, "Cassandra Cain. Senior. Most recently: Bludhaven. The first time I tried to fight in a skirt."

Who invented those things anyway?

Class Discussion

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

"As I said, my bodice is designed to be functional," Lulu explained, "in that it provides support for my breasts while keeping them from falling out. What about you?" she continued, pointing to the first student she saw.

Re: Class Discussion

[imac-kenzie.livejournal.com]

Mac looked down at her shirt (http://www.cafepress.com/tvwhoreswag.103214003). "I think this is pretty functional. Works as creep repellent, and goes with jeans."

Re: Class Discussion

[gameknowsgame.livejournal.com]

"All of my clothes are functional," Blair said, "in that they provide a clear message that I take pride in my appearance and that I honor whatever situation I am in my dressing respectfully and appropriately."

Re: Class Discussion

[senor-chado.livejournal.com]

"Um," Chad looked down at his usual get-up of button-down shirt, tight pants, and Italian leather shoes. "My clothes are functional for comfort..."

And button-downs meant your boyfriend with super strength was less likely to destroy your shirts, but Chad wasn't going to say that out loud.

"And they fit," he added. "Hard to find a lot of clothes that fit me comfortably."

Re: Class Discussion

[dojima-hime.livejournal.com]

"Well, there's my shoes," Dōjima mused, sticking out her feet to examine her heels (http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2081302037&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2057231773&N=1169&Ns=Popularity%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID). "Most people would argue they're non-functional, but I've been wearing heels so long, I can do anything in them that most people would wear flats for. I even wear them to gun club practice."

Re: Class Discussion

[absolutesnark]

"I generally try to wear clothes that look good on me, but are still functional," Summer explained, looking down at her jeans. "Like these jeans for example. They are designer, so they look awesome. But they are also comfortable. It's totally possible to be comfortable and stylish at the same time."

Re: Class Discussion

[shyest-eyes.livejournal.com]

"A-ano, my j-jacket is good for concealing many weapons a-and it's g-good for most weather."

Re: Class Discussion

[iseewhatyoumean.livejournal.com]

Cassandra considered the question for a bit before tugging lightly at the sleeves on her long-sleeved tshirt. "The sleeves cover my arms so people don't get uncomfortable with the scars. Also, the material is strong and makes an okay defensive weapon."

Questions

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

The syllabus and assignment are here (http://mistressofblack.livejournal.com/9694.html). If you have any questions, ask away.

Speak to Lulu

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

She's around after class if you'd like to see her about anything privately. And yes, the legacy basket of condoms is still with her. One must be responsible as an educator, after all.

OOC

[mistressofblack.livejournal.com]

Wheeee fashion. ... HUUUUUUUGE... tracts of land.

Re: OOC

[time-flyer-5.livejournal.com]

I love you so.

Oh, Squeenix and your physics-defying fashion . . .