Fashion is cyclical but also everchanging. It is the basis of self-expression and representation. Throughout her life, Ms. Perla (P) has always had a special place for fashion. Her experience with a strict dress code growing up and her abundant knowledge of fashion through the decades is what makes her fashion class here at OPHS really influential. I sat down with Ms. Perla to find out how fashion trends have changed at OPHS over her time here and to get her general thoughts on the fashion cycle.
When did you start working here?
P: 2001-2002
How do you think the school environment affects students’ ability to express themselves through fashion?
P: It gives you the chance to be inspired by others. That’s really how fashion works. I hope that no one feels stifled. It is disappointing to see people getting made fun of for expressing themselves. Something needs to change so that people can be comfortable.
You have a very unique fashion sense. Growing up and going through high school, were you always focused on fashion?
P: I guess I always cared about my appearance. I had a strict dress code growing up, so I always made sure to look presentable and professional. My mom was really into fashion. She loved the Gap and always made sure we had the right clothes. We had play clothes for playing, school clothes for school, and dress clothes for nice events. I guess I was always very fashion conscious. Just recently, I went to the store in sweatpants for this first time, and I almost couldn’t get out of the car. It was so weird for me.
You went to a private high school and had a strict dress code. How did this affect your self expression?
P: I didn’t have a uniform, but the strict dress code made sure we would all dress nicely. Some people followed it to a T, and others were more fun with it. I remember the big thing my senior year was to wear a jean skirt with a college sweatshirt we would get from our older siblings.
How do you feel about school uniforms?
P: I understand why they have them. It levels the playing field and makes it easier to choose your clothes everyday. I have friends who taught at schools with uniforms, and they all view it differently. I liked having a dress code because it gave me some room to choose who I wanted to be and what I wanted to wear.
What are some typical everyday fashion trends you saw when you first started teaching here at OPHS?
P: A big thing were big sweaters, and flair, or boot cut jeans. As the years progressed, the jeans got tighter, and lower cut. As the 2000’s progressed, the shirts began to get cropped, tighter, and cut lower. A lot more skin was shown. Low rise jeans gained popularity. Fashion is cyclical, so I have seen many fashion trends come and go, but they will eventually come back.
What was the first major shift you saw in fashion trends here at OPHS?
P: The first major shift I saw was when the 90ś trends faded into the early 2000’s. It went from baggy and loose, to tight and tiny. It was a major shift from modest to flashy.
How do you think the pandemic and returning from quarantine affected fashion trends within the student body?
P: Now, clothing is very relaxed. Almost too relaxed, if you ask me. Loungewear became everyday fashion. It’s not really appropriate for everyday fashion.
How do you feel about the current fashion trends here at the high school?
P: I wish people would just dress up sometimes. It’s not any harder to wake up and put on jeans and a sweater than it is to put on a sweatshirt and sweatpants. There shouldn’t be a difference between your “in school” style, and your “out of school” style clothes. You should be able to wear what you want all the time.
If you created a fashion company, what would be your focus?
P: My focus would probably be around the athlete (surf, skate, ski) style of clothing but for people around my age. We all still want to be able to wear that stuff, but it’s hard because it’s made for a younger age group.
Fashion has changed Ms. Perlas’ life in so many ways. Through having her in class and interviewing her, I have learned so much about the important role fashion has played in the lives of everyone around the world. Fashion reflects society, and society reflects fashion. It is all around us, and continues to change everyday. If you are looking for insight into the effect fashion has on the world, Elements of Fashion is the class for you.
