Artist Ave: Darnell Daniels

Darnell Daniels,
Mass Communications, Sophomore

Darnell Daniels believes fashion is the most fluid art form of all. Every day he dons a new work of art that in a month is old hat or sold for extra cash to get the newest look. He came to school with 86 pairs of shoes, but through sheer determination he’s scaled that number down to 15. He’s taken plenty of costuming classes, and he could have worked for a movie company, were it not for summer school. During the interview, he wore moss green Ray Bans, and if that doesn’t show his fashion courage nothing does.

Daily Lobo: So in our past conversations and from what you’re wearing today you tend to lean toward the higher end of the fashion spectrum. Why do you think that is?
Darnell Daniels: I think there’s definitely a quality with it. You can wear a fancy pair of Prada slip-on shoes, or a pair of worker shoes from Walmart. The reason I lean toward the higher end of things is just the exclusivity of it. It feels more special, and it definitely lasts longer than other clothes do. For example, Ray Bans. You have probably worn those every day for a while now, but they are still a strong quality.

DL: So we are talking today in your capacity as a fashion artist. So where did this all start for you?
DD: I think it was in elementary school when I bought an entire outfit with my grandparents. We matched the shoes with the shirts and shorts. It was all red, white and blue. After that, I knew it. Actually, since day one, when my grandfather bought me a pair of Air Jordans — my first baby shoes — I think was addicted ever since. I think my first word was shoe (laughs).

DL: It’s hard to afford nicer clothing, as I am sure you know, so how have you adapted to that? Do you feel like you had to make decisions to accommodate the fashion?
DD: I don’t think I have ever had to balance things out. I will be honest with you. I do go broke a lot buying these expensive clothes because they are expensive.

DL: So tell me what you think of fashion in Albuquerque? How do you be on the edge in a city that isn’t quite on the edge of things fashion-wise?
DD: I think there’s a very eclectic mix when you walk around Albuquerque. You walk around campus, and you see so many different looks. That’s partially the University — it’s a melting pot. For instance, one of my friends was wearing leopard leggings and a leopard print belt two years ago, and everyone kind of looked at her like she was stupid, but now you look in the store and you see leopard print leggings and leopard print belts. You can be fashion forward, but you’ll look ridiculous. But in two years those people will be wearing what you’re wearing.

DL: Yeah that kind of reminds me of a quote I read once. It goes something like, “Fashion is a form of art so deplorable it must be changed every six months.” You ever heard that one? What do you think about that?
DD: I think fashion can definitely tell you about the world today. Look at what happened in the recession. The economy went up in flames, and so did everyone’s style. Suddenly, it was a topsy-turvy of 80s fashion, 40s fashion, 50s, 60s, 70s, everywhere and all over the place. And it was a huge mix. There’s no major trend that everyone is following now, and I think that has to do with what the country is going through right now.

DL: You are kind of more attuned to fashion than most. I’ve noticed sometimes that if you are more attuned to fashion, there’s an impulse from people to decry you as more superficial. Do you ever get that vibe?
DD: Yeah. I saw this documentary on the September issue of Vogue, and the editor said people are very intimidated by fashion, and I think that’s really true. Instead of accepting it because they can’t get to it … they just ridicule it. It makes you prove yourself more to people as opposed to wearing something ridiculous like sweat pants and Uggs.

DL: God, sweat pants and Uggs.
DD: Yeah! Personally, I don’t want to have that sort of impression on people, and if people want to take me as superficial, I’d rather take that.

DL: That’s a fair point. What else is happening fashion-wise you can’t stand? I have always hated the Ugg boot thing, especially when they mix it with a skirt.
DD: I think what people tend to do is follow too many trends at one time. Instead, they just look like a fashion victim. A lot of people try certain trends that don’t work for them. If you want to wear leggings, but you don’t look good in leggings, let it be obvious: Don’t wear leggings. Pull out a flared jean instead. Instead of letting the clothes wear you, you should wear the clothes.