Shei Magazine hosted a party Sunday night in celebration of their new spring and summer issue. The fashion show was the highlight of the evening, showcasing University of Michigan students, each nominated for their signature style. The show was tailored to all tastes, ranging in handmade pieces and vintage treasures. The new models represented fresh, Ann Arbor street fashion. Maureen O’Brien, a freshman studying Art History and Design at the University sits down with me at Bert’s café at the UGLi. She’s wearing two pieces from the show, a nautical themed sweater and a mustard yellow scarf.
Christine: How were you nominated to model for Sheifest?
Maureen: My friend Gabe Carels works for the Publication and told about the online casting call, so I sent in a photo and nominated myself!
Christine: Being a student, how you do incorporate fashion into your busy lifestyle and afford to stay stylish?
Maureen: College is a challenge to my style, but fun. I’ve learned how to mix and match different looks, especially when I haven’t done laundry in a while! On occasion I’ll go out, buy new pieces, and incorporate them into what I already have in my closet. I stick to my classic ensembles and wear them a lot. I like shopping but I have to budget what I buy. It’s a luxury staying up-to-date with current trends, but there’s always the occasional splurge!
Christine: Can you give [art]seen readers a behind the scenes glimpse at what goes into a runway production?
Maureen: There is a lot of chaos. Who goes where and who does whose makeup. Shei invested a lot of time into organizing the final looks. The models chose what to wear but our outfits had to be approved by Shei’s styling team. There’s a lot of uncertainty. We didn’t even know the lineup until the day of the show. Like I said, it was chaotic running back stage through a kitchen between the first and second look, people tucking in tags and checking the time, but nothing too bad!
Christine: If we asked you to empty your purse of all its belongings, what would we find?
Maureen: You would find a pack of stride 2.0 Spearmint gum, pens, a Moleskine journal, an iphone, headphones, brown bobby pins, six different lip glosses (not an exaggeration), a piece of fruit stolen from the cafeteria, peanut butter packets (also pocketed from the dining hall), and a wallet.
Christine: In your own words, what is your signature style?
Maureen: Classic, combined with vintage, modern pieces and bright colors. It’s up in the air some days. I just see what happens!
Christine: What’s your favorite color?
Maureen: Maroon and mustard yellow. It’s a tie.
Christine: Do you have a favorite piece(s) in your closet?
Maureen: High waisted skirts and scarves.
Christine: What was the high and low of being on the runway?
Maureen: The high was being able to showcase something people don’t normally acknowledge. Sharing my love of fashion with other students was also a high. As for the low, I’d say the wait backstage and seeing the audience through the curtains, which only added to the anticipation!
Christine: What are your favorite fashion publications?
Maureen: Vogue and Elle.
Christine: What about Shei?
Maureen: I’m a new reader but a definite fan! It’s hard to believe that Shei is a student led publication. The photography is beautiful and the articles are well written. A lot is put into the magazine and it certainly shows.
