That’s right babes, Craccum Fashion issue is back for round two. And not to brag, but this issue is so hot the fire alarm went off during our editorial meeting and firefighters had to come put out the fire.
Okay, maybe it wasn’t just us. As evidenced by the background of our evacuation selfie, the students at the University of Auckland (that’s you guys!) have some serious fashion sense. We see you, popped-collar puffer jacket and sunnies realness; not to mention the quilted jacket and floral midi fits—go off!
Let’s be real, UoA students may joke about wearing sweatpants and hoodies to campus, but we’re Aucklanders—you know damn well you’re picking a matching set. Whether you take it as a scathing indictment, or a glowing compliment, Aucklanders—and most people really—Care What They Look Like. Including us. It’s only natural to want to look good, or present yourself in a certain way. In a world where we’re all increasingly being perceived by others (thanks to big brother Zucc) and trying to fit into various social groups to feel like we belong, clothing plays a major factor.
Because yeah, your degree might be sucking every inch of your soul out through the eyeballs, but what if your ex / high-school crush / worst enemy / lecturer and / or d-list celebrity happens to be in the Quad today? You know exactly the scenario we’re talking about, and you know the exact fit that you’re wearing in that scenario already. In a city like Auckland, you never know who you’ll run into, so we gotta be prepared at all times.
Fashion is a lot of things. What you wear can say a lot about you—your personality and interests, yes, but even your culture and beliefs. People say first impressions are everything, and those first impressions usually include how you’re dressed and what your personal style is. For us, that’s a lot of bold colours and headscarves. We like our vintage, what can we say? When Flora grows up, she wants to be a 40s femme fatale, and Naomii wants you to know she knows you’re looking. It’s okay.
Fashion is also one of the oldest social codes around. Going to a formal event? Fancy dress and tux. Wanna show everyone you’re super rich? Monogram Gucci. Engineering or CompSci student? Jeans and a hoodie. Whether we’re aware of it or not, what we wear is a material manifestation of our surroundings, the media we consume, and our personal likes and dislikes. Fashion is about so much more than clothes—that’s why we dedicated a whole issue to it. Because whether you “care” or not, fashion is an inextricable part of our lives.
Craccum’s Fashion Issue was first conceived at a team BYO in 2021. We ate our Pad Thai and peer-pressured our editors into the theme. After a week of building excitement we… went into lockdown again. But you all still loved it even though it ended up an online-only issue. Flora’s incredible cover was the most-liked post on our Instagram, and our spread showing off the excellent outfits around campus before the lockdown was a heartwarming community moment. So, this year, we’re back and bigger than ever—Fashion is finally in print!
XOXO
Arohanui,
Flora Xie (she/her) and Naomii Seah (she/they)
