Fashion designer Jordan Cohen reveals his true colors. The College junior expounds on 34th Street (yes, the actual street), Skittles and public nudity.
Street: How would you describe your personal style?
Jordan Cohen: It's really a lack thereof. I don't really have style; I just like color. Loud, bright, ridiculous color. I'm also into old-school retro clothing from thrift stores. I guess I just try to wear things that make me stand out in a crowd, like my rasta hat. I can't tell you how many times I would meet someone last year and after a minute of intense staring they would say "Oh, you're the kid with that ridiculous dread-hat."
Street: Tell us a bit about the clothes you make.
JC: I make hoodies, polos, mesh shorts, bags, tees, wallets, pants. you name it. Shenanigear is all about uniqueness and personality. The logo is a little penguin wearing a polka dot bowtie, a rasta hat and sunglasses. He is the heart and soul of Shenanigear: sneaky, cuddly, ridiculous; Spontaneity and fun, that's what Shenanigear is all about.
Street: What are your plans for Valentine's Day?
JC: I was planning on buying some diapers, throwing on a set of angel wings and going around shooting people with a bow and arrow. Maybe after that, I'll take a girl out for a nice dinner and ice-skating down by the river (hopefully still wearing the diaper and angel wings).
Street: What can you absolutely not live without?
JC: PennQuest. Of all the things I have done here at Penn, it has definitely been the most fun and rewarding. I don't know how many other groups at Penn drink Franzia in the woods while running around naked and singing Disney songs.
Street: Most overrated thing about Penn?
JC: The most overrated thing about Penn is definitely 34th Street. Not the magazine, the actual street. I mean what do they have, Hill and DRL? Oh yeah, and a Starbucks. Also incredibly overrated.
Street: We hear you're a bit notorious for being a fan of the birthday suit. care to elaborate?
JC: On day while abroad in Coasta Rica, I decided to strip off my pink bathing suit and have my self a nudie nature walk. I heard voices in front of me and a woman looked up with a shocked expression on her face and said, "Jordan, would you care to explain yourself?" It was my professor leading a group of elderly Quakers on a nature walk. I stood there as the group of old ladies giggled. I mumbled something about wrestling a monkey and losing my bathing suit in the brawl.
Street: What do you TiVo?
JC: I don't have TiVo but if I did, I would definitely tape that Skittles commercial where everything the guy touches turns into Skittles. That commercial blew my mind!
Street: What was the last book you read?
JC: Organic Chemistry, 5th edition.
