In an era plagued by painfully artsy hipsters flaunting destroyed clothing and androgenous wardrobes, it is refreshing to meet people, like Max Moran '12, who have an appreciation for the traditional. With his olive skin and effortlessly side-swept coiffure, Moran is a good ole southern boy shipped to Hanover directly from Jackson Preparatory School in Mississippi. He loves clean lines and workable fabrics nothing synthetic but overall he values function and practicality.
Moran accredits the old South, country-club style of Jackson as his main source of inspiration. Like every proper southern boy, Moran spent the earlier years of his fashionable life being dressed by his mother, who had an impeccable eye for detail. Every Sunday, she would combine pieces like velveteen slacks with crisp oxfords and colorful bow ties to create churchgoing masterpieces for baby Moran to flaunt in front of the other altar boys. At the other end of the spectrum, Moran's father who also has a strong impact on his style prefers muted colors.
Moran described his father as "masculine, yet comfortable in his sense of style."
Both Moran's father's and mother's styles are reflected in his wardrobe, which mixes a love for colors and patterns with comfort and cohesiveness.
Although Moran loves the traditional style of his hometown, he often felt restrained by the high expectations of always dressing perfectly and looking clean with perfectly pressed pants and perfect hair.
His artistic aunt and grandmothers pulled him out of this preppy prison and showed him it's OK to be funky. His aunt lives in Pasadena, Calif., and has a designer label for children called Misha Lulu, named after her childhood imaginary friend. Her line is all about organic materials and colors, drawing from the earth for inspiration. All of her clothing is handmade. Before designing her own line, however, Moran's aunt worked for Jerry Leigh, a commercial design studio in the San Fernando Valley an experience that led her to opportunities such as designing for Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers clothing line.
Moran's grandmother, meanwhile, works with hand crafts such as painting and crocheting. Moran carries both of these artistic inspirations with him everyday.
Moran said he loves Hanover's local boutiques and clothing manufacturers because of the practical application their clothes have in the winter. Last year, he said, he bought a beautiful wool shirt from Rosey Jekes and it quickly became his favorite shirt. On a rainy day, he can be seen wearing his green and navy tartan-lined Barbour rain jacket with vintage, worn-in Sperry's, comfortable denim and perhaps even a slightly askew oversized flannel shirt.
Moran appreciates the laid back style of most Dartmouth students. Although he dresses well, he's not afraid to aim for comfort rather than appearance.
He refuses to buy anything that isn't absolutely comfortable and accessorizes with belts such as his "Derby Belt," which he purchased from a store called The Belted Cow in Yarmouth, Maine.
On campus, Moran can be seen looking fashionable while performing with the Dodecaphonics, the Glee Club and in the theatre department's production of the Rocky Horror Show. We like what we see, Mississippi, keep up the good work.
As for the rest of you, we'll be on the lookout. You never know, you could be next!
