Welcome to the first Tatler special issue of the 2024-2025 school year—the Fashion special issue!

If you’re not already familiar with what a special issue is, it’s an opportunity for Tatler to dive deep into a specific topic while simultaneously experimenting with a more magazine-like design format. We chose fashion as the topic for this special issue because it’s something that is often considered to be not overly important and associated with vanity. However, we believe there’s far more to fashion than that. We believe that it has the power to change the way we are perceived by others and that it can be a means for both maintaining and pushing back against the status quo. In this issue, we approach fashion from many angles: psychological, business, personal expression, sustainability, and more. Additionally, we hope that this issue will encourage you to discuss other topics that might, at first, seem superficial and challenge yourself to consider what lies beneath the surface.

Over the past month and a half, Tatler staff members have worked incredibly hard to write articles that you will find interesting, ranging from a profile on Lakeside student models to an investigation into private school dress codes to an explanation of the psychology behind fashion trends — there is something in this issue for everyone. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a “fashionista,” we strongly believe that this issue will spark discussion on topics beyond the realm of pure fashion and will be worth your time reading. Enjoy!