I've read some of the recent exchanges concerning this newsgroup's failure to live to expectations, whatever those might be.  Having frequented these parts for just about as long as anyone, save for a few, and looking at the NYC get-together on the horizon, it seemed apropros for someone who is part of *the group* to stir things up. Well, things have changed around here.  I, for one, mourn the excitement of last August/September, in the days preceeding and following the Labor Day get-together.  Margaret Rhodes' alt.fashion web site was in full bloom, Robert Craig was giving full spread to pictures of the get-together, Jeryl Geary's FashionStance was fresh on the cyber-newsstand.  The alt.fashion t-shirt emblazoned with What are *you* wearing? was as sought after as a sample of the latest CSP aroma.   There's been a change of the guard and the focus of the group has shifted to a more social bent.  The swaps, the friendships made, the repartee, all adds to the patina of the group.  However, that certain sense of being on the edge of new, of creating a forum for discussing matters of _style_, has somehow assumed a less prominent role.  I admittedly mourn its second feature, matinee status. For those who are attending the NYC get-together...as we said at old Delta Rho Upsilon, good times will be had by all .  However, in reviewing the RSVP list, and having a sense of what everyones' expectations seem to be, it will be less of a reunion than I'd imagined when I jealously pouted for missing the Labor Day fete`. I suppose that makes me a touch sad. John Leslie / Dallas  - In all things, _style_ and class a/k/a This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - Mens' Fashion Consultant on _style_Channel

somehow assumed a less prominent role.  I admittedly mourn its second feature, matinee status. ++ The social bent came, most likely, as a result of that get-together. There's something about collective experiences that definitely brings people together, even those of us _link_ed only via the 'Net.  I, for one, like the fact that the focus has *evolved* more toward matters of *personal _style_* (as opposed to the somewhat over-the-top, but very phony fashion _style_ that defines runway fashion) among the denizens of this group.  Runway/designer fashion certainly has its place, as does the more on the edge fashion that some like...but its a lot more fun, IMHO to have the nice mix that we have here. ++ Finally, I would like to put in a good word for what we have built here: A nice community that talks about the wide breadth of fashion; a community where we try to help each other out; a community that has helped nurture more than one or two friendships; a community where we have managed to keep out most of the spam that has poisoned and made irrelevant most of USENET; a community where a refreshing congeniality and tolerance reigns, and just about everyone is welcome...and where the extremely judgemental are quietly put in their place . A community that is only as good as the people who *participate*.  That's what makes this newsgroup such a special place. Alt.fashion rules! Cheers, Marie +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+  W. Marie Quinn / Internet: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it * Gossip is just news running ahead of itself in a RED satin dress.... +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

lisa writes: I can't wait to meet you, John; I think meeting Lisa in Dallas is giong to be a true trip.  Such a fun girl!  I have this picture of Krysta in my mind that appears because of her age and I know she won't look anything like that! ======================== oh no.....what reputation have i gotten here? lisa in dallas and btw, i'm not a blonde (inside joke, between jeannine and i!)

John, I must say I have felt the same way about alt. fashion for the past six months.  Our posts often read like my son's chat groups and ony a few seek the new and unusual to share with the group.  Do we lack time and innovation to be like Jeryl or Margaret or do we simply lack the inclination?  Perhaps new ideas will come from the get together to bring the posts back to the cutting edge of fashion as opposed to where products can be purchased.  My computer ability is limited but I have tried to share current trends as I read about them in the chronicle or mags but truly What are we wearing today? and how does it reflect the cutting edge of fashion and _style_? Great food for thought! audrey

I am a longtime lurker to this group and let me begin by saying I am a big fan. I posted awhile ago and got one response. Perhaps no one was interested in talking about my subject- romantic, eclectic English clothes and _style_s. Yet, I see no posings regarding current stories or ideas in a time brimming with new changes and ideas. For example, Martin Margiela of the torn and tattered deconstruction look fame, has been chosen to co-design the women¹s ready to wear collection at Hermes! I can only imagine the revolutionary marriage of destroyed and refined. I am not a customer of either and probably never will be but I have a passion for new ideas, beautiful, odd or whatever. I realize that lipstick is a more realistic purchase for all or most of us anyway. But the stuff done at the top either filters down to us sooner or later or has something interesting to say about where we are going as a culture. It is an interesting topic to explore. Please don¹t flame me, this is not meant as a collective insult to the entire group. I think a little added spice to the group would only make it more tasty!