Some students, staff and faculty members have little concern with making fashion statements, but amongst us are those who, with creativity, thrift and confidence, inspire others to venture out, have some fun and tell their story.

Professor Eugene Leo Draine Mahmoud has been teaching engineering and physics for a total of 14 years, with ten at Mt. SAC and four at a high school. He is a husband and father of two and lost his home due to the Eaton Canyon fire in January.

Though grateful for the safety of his family and the support of the community, Mahmoud, like others, had to scale the loss and devastation that consumed his community and find a starting point to continue.

Amongst the precious and important items lost in the fires were traditional articles of clothing known as a “Kurtas”. This traditional piece of clothing was tailored made by local seamstresses in Accra, Ghana while at an African diasporic education summit.

Kurtas are typically a long upper garment of clothing, reaching to the knees and of one solid color. Short sleeve variations exist and are called “Kurti” that have its upper garment end at the hips.

“After the fire, I thought about what I really wanted and in that moment, … I reached out to the seamstresses and asked, “Do you still have my measurements,” Mahmoud said.

Fortunately, the seamstresses did, and made Mahmoud several pieces of clothing that were later shipped to him.

There are different variations of kurtas. This article of clothing primarily can be found in India but can also be found worn in other regions of the world such as African countries such as Ghana.

The Eaton Canyon fire destroyed an estimated 9,400 homes, displacing many families, with most still anxiously awaiting to get their lives back to normal. Despite the tragedy however, Mahmoud discovered the power and blessing of community as both friends and family offered their support.

“Community has been critical. I think before I got any support from the government or my insurance, I got money from people in my community … from friends [and] co-workers.” Mahmoud said. “We stayed at my parent’s house for a month, so community is critical” he added.

When asked if culture and community are synonymous with one another, Mahmoud replied, ”To an extent.” He identifies the community with relationships, people and networks. When viewing culture, he refers more to its ancestry, artistry and ingenuity.

Going further, Mahmoud shared his concerns about issues facing colleges and their students.

“I think in the current moment, especially having this conversation on a campus of higher learning … both community and culture are [under] attack and it’s a responsibility of those of us that identify as educators to kind of talk about why that’s important in institutions,” Mahmoud said. “It’s not just about merit, right?”

Freshman Ronnie Walker, an earth science major, would resonate with Mahmoud’s statement.

With an eclectic style that takes bits and pieces from many inspirations, Walker believes that when people borrow from other subcultures to do their own thing they should try to understand the context and meaning behind that particular style.

Walker mentions that she wants to know where things come from and what they mean to avoid looking like a “poser”, a word she rarely uses.
“I think a lot of people dress within subcultures, but they don’t really understand the context in which those styles were developed and the history behind them,” Walker said. “I only dress in a certain way … if I believe in the ideals that that culture represents.”

Being sensitive to such issues is important to Walker as she believes the term poser is not to be taken lightly.

Walker encourages students to really look at the root of things, especially in areas of style and fashion as they can have their origins in movements instead of trends.
“I’m not going to walk around in punk and be a conservative, those two things are not synonymous,” Walker said.

Walker explains that punk was built out of oppression and anti-conservatism.

“It was built on the shoulders of people of colour, like you can’t ignore all those experiences that created a subculture just because you like the way it looks,” Walker said. “I don’t think you can do that. I think that’s what makes you a poser.”

In describing the clothes she had on, Walker said it was mostly a collage of items ranging from thrift store clothing, baggy jeans, pants worn as sleeves and a scarf made by her mom with a brown dress, making herself fit for working with kids. Walker stays away from major conglomerates such as Walmart and Amazon, adding on that she spends a significant amount of time arguing with family members to stop shopping there as well.

“In the age of Temu and Shein … just don’t do it” Walker urged. Being a creative spirit, Walker would love to see people create more on their own instead of relying on big corporations to design and tell them what looks good.

It hurts her to see fabric stores like Joanne’s closing and very few people are learning to sew and create. “Nobody’s buying fabric anymore. You have to get it from

Walmart or Michaels and it’s overpriced … go make your own stuff … even if it looks stupid, go make them,” Walker said.

Walker’s final fashion thoughts to share with Mt. SAC community: “Get offline.”