Today is the day I share my final style column with you all… Even though I will not be on campus next year, do not fret, this column will live on! This is why I am extremely excited to pass on the torch to my highly esteemed Pelican colleague, Lulu Mangriotis ‘25. For those of you who don’t know the ballerina and Eco-Action superstar, Mangriotis is a dear friend of mine and someone who I know will show up for you all each and every issue.
Mangriotis has been an extremely dedicated member of the Pelican team, and I am incredibly lucky that along with having an incredible work ethic, she also just so happens to have an impeccable sense of self and style as well! Born and raised in New York City, Mangriotis has been exposed to many different cultures and types of self-expression, and when she’s at home she likes to, “take pictures of different people’s outfits walking on the streets.” Random people on the sidewalk are some of the people who have greatly influenced what she chooses to wear today. Mangriotis is someone who can mix the latest trends with her unique touch, which is not an easy feat. Take it to Mangriotis to wear a denim jumpsuit and rock it.
Mangriotis also takes inspiration from her roommate, and partner in crime, Parker Hanson ‘25. The pair come from extremely different corners of campus: the arts and the athletics. As many of you may know Mangriotis has been a ballerina in the Ballet Company for three years now, and Hanson has been a member of the girls varsity lacrosse team and a field hockey player. Even though their schedules and circles on campus in the afternoons may look different, the two feed off of each other in interesting ways. Hanson and Mangriotis certainly don’t have the same exact sense of style, but evidently, they share and take advantage of the roomie closet to incorporate each other's pieces into their own looks. Mangriotis says, “I take the best moments from her closet, like a fun cable knit sweater, and style it my way with jewelry, looser jeans, or a slick back hairstyle.” Mangriotis skillfully shows us how much pieces can change when they are paired with different things.
Mangriotis believes that this summer we need to make the most of the warm weather and protect ourselves. She believes you can make anything stylish if you set your mind to it, even if that means choosing something for practicality, “baseball caps, sunglasses, sunscreen bring it on.” Who said practical things can’t be cute?!?! Mangriotis teaches us all that when there’s a will, there’s a way, which is the mentality and attitude that will be extremely beneficial in highlighting the best and most interesting parts of people’s styles next year!
I hope the style column can continue to be a place and outlet for people to share their outfits and what their style means to them. I would like to remind you all that I did not start this column to share the coolest outfits or “best” style, but rather to learn more about the past experiences and cultures that shape the style of students from all corners of campus.