UCLA Graphic Tees: A Fusion of Campus Culture and Fashion

UCLA, while not traditionally known for a dedicated fashion program, has fostered a surprising number of successful careers in the fashion industry. Alumni have made their mark as designers, brand managers, fashion journalists, and art directors, demonstrating that a passion for fashion, combined with the academic rigor of UCLA, can lead to diverse and fulfilling paths. This article explores the intersection of UCLA's culture, the fashion industry, and the iconic UCLA graphic tee.

From Westwood to the World: UCLA Alumni in Fashion

Many UCLA graduates didn't initially set out to conquer the fashion world. Amy Goodman ’95, for example, initially planned to follow in her father's footsteps as a doctor but discovered her love for writing. This led her to a career in fashion journalism, working with publications like Marie Claire and Southern Living. Roxane Zargham ’06, with a background rooted in Paris and design, honed her artistic eye at UCLA and later earned an M.F.A. from Yale, ultimately becoming a contributing art director for Condé Nast in Beijing.

Susan Kellogg ’82, a sociology major, exemplifies the unexpected paths UCLA alumni can take. Initially aiming for a career at Procter & Gamble, she was encouraged to explore other options and landed an executive training program at Macy's San Francisco. Kellogg's career trajectory took her to Liz Claiborne in New York and eventually to the CEO position at Elie Tahari, before returning to Los Angeles with VF Corporation (The North Face).

These stories highlight a common thread: UCLA provides a foundation of skills and perspectives that can be applied to various fields, including fashion. The university cultivates a distinctive flair, an inquisitive nature, and an unconventional inventiveness in its students, qualities that translate well to the creative and ever-evolving world of fashion.

The Rise of the UCLA Graphic Tee

The UCLA graphic tee has evolved from a simple piece of merchandise to a symbol of campus identity and a recognizable fashion item. The popularity of UCLA apparel extends far beyond Westwood, reaching international markets and diverse demographics.

Overseas Licensing and Global Appeal

What began as a Japanese interest in the Southern California college environment quickly developed into an overseas clothing market in Tokyo and Osaka by 1980, according to Cindy Holmes, licensing director of UCLA Trademarks and Licensing. Each region caters to different age groups and fashion tastes, and the merchandise varies from country to country. China is the leading source of marketing revenue, with 80 stores in large metropolitan cities. Besides generating revenue, UCLA products also advance the university’s image as a prominent educational institution, Holmes added. Trendy outfits targeted at a younger collegiate audience are the best-selling items in European countries such as Spain, Italy and France. In Japan, UCLA brand jeans, shirts, and casual wear are sold in multi-brand stores and boutiques. China boasts 80 exclusive UCLA stores that sell high end trousers, blazers, woven shirts, shoes and wallets to an older businessman demographic. In South Korea, UCLA targets a younger audience, producing children and young adult clothing lines in addition to umbrellas and shoes.

However, the global popularity of the UCLA brand also presents challenges. Counterfeit UCLA products are a persistent issue, with numerous vendors in Japan and China illegally using the university's logo. Despite these challenges, UCLA continues to expand its licensing rights, recognizing the brand's potential and its role in promoting the university's image worldwide.

Colors and Collective Identity

UCLA's official colors, gold 123 and blue 285 (often referred to as air force blue, strong blue, or true blue), play a crucial role in establishing a strong brand identity. While a wide range of styles are available, maintaining consistency in the use of these colors, especially in university-sponsored apparel, is essential for fostering a sense of collective identity.

The UCLA Fashion Aesthetic: Diverse Expressions

While there isn't a single "UCLA fashion," the university's influence can be seen in the diverse expressions of style among its students and alumni. Some have focused on creating high-quality, timeless pieces, while others have pushed the boundaries of design, exploring the intersection of fashion and architecture.

Clean Lines and Timeless Designs

Mike Park ’05 and Kevin Na ’04, for example, created their own jeans brand, focusing on clean, timeless pants that aren't loud and flashy. Their designs cater to those seeking high-quality denim without exorbitant prices.

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Elegant Dresses and Architectural Inspiration

Diana Kohan ’09 and David Tehrani ’09, the creators of Chateau Davana, draw inspiration from architecture to create elegant dresses. Their journey began in Kerckhoff Hall, where they were drawn to a student fashion show and decided to create their own line.

Avant-Garde Fashion and Architectural Fusion

Elena Manferdini, an architect and fashion designer, blurs the lines between the two fields. She uses fashion design as a case study for buildings, testing techniques and their effects in clothing. Manferdini's work demonstrates the potential for cross-disciplinary innovation, using tools and technologies from the aeronautic and automobile industries to create unique and architectural garments.

Computational Couture and Technological Innovation

Mary Huang, a design media arts graduate, uses computer-aided design to create custom couture. Her Continuum Computational Couture project utilizes laser cutters and mathematical principles to create innovative designs, including LED-embedded dresses that have been featured in modern dance performances.

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