College: Ringling College of Art and Design
Major: Game Art
You might not have heard the name David Gaither, but you’ve seen him. Decked out in fur coats, boater hats and vests, Gaither never fails to be the best-dressed person in the room. His 1930s ‘Walt-Disney-inspired’ outfits peaked during Gaither’s senior year. According to him, it has been met with nothing but positivity.
“My style originates from the era of Hollywood I watched as a kid,” Gaither said. “The time of Charlie Chapin, Harold Lloyd, Buster Keen, that’s where it started. It wasn’t [until] sophomore year that I started getting the trench coats, [and] my junior year, I started wearing it [regularly].”
Gaither said his mother introduced him to the golden age of Hollywood and the magicians who inspired him. According to him, the theater department had a big influence on his fashion, as working with the costumes there gave him a better understanding of the clothes.
Jennifer Edwards, supervisor of the testing center, has seen Gaither almost every day of school since his junior year. Over that time, she said she was able to see his style evolve and learn who Gaither was.
“It’s a lost art, having your own independent style and not apologizing for it,” Edwards said. “It’s a great thing for [people] to see; ‘be you, be unapologetically you,’ and David is unapologetically David.”
Julie Healey, assistant librarian, has also seen Gaither grow through the years. They have been close since his freshman year, from watching his art take off to trading advice on where to buy clothes from.
“He has two pieces that are my favorite: the jacket from “The Shining” and the faux-fur coat,” Healey said. “We talk a lot about estate sales for shopping, and it’s a great way to get unique items.”
Gaither said he has come a long way since his freshman year when it comes to his personal style and way of dressing. Edwards said she admires Gaither and sees younger kids do too.
“He’s been so nice for the younger kids, I’m old – I don’t convey coolness,” Edwards said. “But to have a polite, cool, stylish, responsible, kind human being to surround yourself with? That’s priceless.”
