Eye on Kent

At Kent State, where the fashion program ranks as one of the best in the nation, Style Eye took a glance at J.R. Campbell, the new director of the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising. Campbell, a former research director at the Glasgow School of Art’s Center for Advanced Textiles in Scotland, caught our eye, not only because of his good looks, but also when we saw him carrying his bicycle up the steps at Rockwell in his courageous outfits. We were intrigued to learn more about “the man in the green pants.” Here’s our interview with Campbell:

Doleh: What is it you look for when it comes to fashion?

CAMPBELL: Part of what I’m about is sustainability and effective use of technology in fashion. I use my bicycle as a function of the way I dress. I probably ride 2 miles daily between home and campus.

Riddle: What interests you about the clothes you wear?

CAMPBELL: I’m interested in the quality and fit. I’d rather wear it to enjoy it.

RD: Can you explain your outfit?

CAMPBELL: The jacket is a part of a Savile Row suit. Even though it’s an expensive jacket, I still tend to wear it several times while riding my bike. My shirt is from a store in Cleveland Heights called Brigade. (They have dressed LeBron James.) My socks were bought in Glasgow, which I believe is the most underrated item in menswear. The green jeans were bought at American Apparel, and the tie was a gift from one of my faculty members from Korea.

WR: Describe your personal style.

CAMPBELL: It’s consistent, but probably eclectic. I’m typically now wearing some kind of sports jacket as a part of what I do as my role, but I’m also more comfortable that way. I almost never wear the trousers that match a suit, and I’m almost always wearing jeans with some kind of variation on top of that. I also have a hard time tucking my shirt in.

WR: That’s awesome, you can get away with that!

CAMPBELL: I think I can probably only get away with it because I’m the director of the fashion school.

RD: Final question, Mr. Campbell. What are you never caught wearing?

CAMPBELL: Probably cowboy boots. I never wear hats, either. Other than that, it’s pretty much fair game.

Apparently, Mr. Campbell won’t be going to the Dusty Armadillo anytime soon, but we won’t either. It was a pleasure doing the interview, and we want to thank him again for his time and participation in Style Eye.

Contact “Style Eye” columnists Remah Doleh at [email protected]. and Will Riddle at [email protected].