Junior Mark McGann’s love affair with fashion has been a brief but passionate one. McGann, a marketing major, has only recently come to the realization that he wants to work in the fashion industry after graduating. Through his experiences abroad, endless reading and the friends he has made in the fashion community, the SGA vice president said his love and knowledge grow with each passing day.
When did fashion become a prominent aspect of your life?
It became a daily interest more in high school. I remember freshman year — I went to a Catholic school — and so we had uniforms, and we didn’t express ourselves except with our shoes. I remember really harping on people’s shoes, always looking down. People would be like, ‘Are you OK?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m just looking at everyone’s shoes.’
I didn’t think I was going to go into fashion as an actual career on the business side of it until freshman year of college, four years later. And I think in those four years, [my style] really grew. Just casual wear. What you can get at the mall, consignment shops and high fashion, and seeing the art in it and the time and precious work that goes into making each piece. It just grows every day. The more it goes on, the more and more I fall in love, because I get to know more.
Coming into college were you able to create personal style because you finally had the freedom to dress how you wanted?
I would say no. I still didn’t really know who I was when I came to college, and in high school I still cried because I didn’t have Under Armour sweatpants or those disgusting hoodies everyone had. When I came to college I was still in that mentality of trying to fit in, so my wardrobe was very basic freshman year.
Freshman summer I lived in London and it sparked this thought of, “What am I doing, just trying to fit in?” That’s a follower mentality and I want to be a leader in life. Then I started building my wardrobe and not just looking at others. I’d say it’s been two years of actually collecting and building a wardrobe. Honestly, before sophomore year, I don’t even think I had jeans that fit me correctly.
Is there an element of conformity at Elon?
I think people bring up the stereotype of Vineyard Vines and bright colors, and to me it’s a very blinding thing. There is a population that dresses like that, and when you first walk on campus that’s all you really notice. If you’re looking at the school one-by-one, it’s not really the Lilly-mindset, Vineyard Vines or Southern Tide.
I really do think there are people who express themselves through style here. When I walk across campus, I don’t ever feel uncomfortable that I’m trying and attempting something. I think the blinding colors are hard to see past.
Do you have any style principles or rules?
My whole thought process is that it’s supposed to be fun. You’re supposed to express how you feel that day. Normally, when I walk out of the house I’ll theme myself. Like ’90s, “Clueless” or ’70s chic. It’s more fun that way, and I’m walking around with a pep in my step.
But my advice would be to have fun with it, and everyone is supposed to have their own personal style. You can’t go wrong as long as you’re walking confidently.
Favorite stores or designers near Elon?
In terms of shopping near Elon, definitely Designer Archives in Greensboro. I’ve gotten so many great pieces there. I’ve bought three pieces of Dior there. And the people that work there are also really awesome people.
My favorite designer is Tom Ford. If I could style my closet without money as a factor, it’d be all Tom Ford. He’s such a confident guy — it’s so inspiring. He’s really done crazy things about making the casual man focus on fashion.
I love streetwear brands. Acne is a definite favorite, Rag and Bone, Public School. I shop a lot at barneyswarehouse.com. It’s a sales constant.
Is it more important to invest in good classic pieces, look for trends or a mix of both?
I would say a mix of both. For trends of the moment I always thrift. So right now a trend is ’70s vibes, and for that I always go thrift. I don’t really like Zara or Topman.
Fashion is about personal expression so you shouldn’t look like the person next to you. And the great thing about fashion is that it’s a cyclical kind of business, so things are going to come back. You can always buy a great piece that’s an investment. You’re going to wear it in 20 years. I never buy anything full price.
What’s your go-to accessory?
I am a big believer in watches and sunglasses. I think sunglasses are how I got into high fashion. They were the easiest thing to attain. The most they’re going to run you is $500, which is an extreme, extreme expense, but if it matters to you, you make it happen.
It’s my way of getting to high fashion. It’s also a great way to express yourself — people really notice your sunglasses. They also really shape your whole outfit. Watches are such an investment statement piece.
Do you have any clothing words of wisdom?
You can be whoever you want when it comes to fashion. And you can’t let anything define that. You cannot let your body define it, for sure. You can’t let society define it. You can’t let your gender define it.
There are no limits, and you’re doing personal PR whenever you walk out the house. And know that other people are noticing. Give yourself two minutes to get changed in the morning — even if it’s a uniform. It takes just as much time to put on sweatpants. What if you meet someone you fall in love with? Aren’t you glad you aren’t wearing sweatpants?
Pick up a copy of the May issue of The Edge for another snapshot of his style.