Creatives on the Come Up: Sitting Down with Jacob Melamed, AKA @umichfits

In the middle of Central Campus sits the University of Michigan Diag, a distinct square that coined its nickname from the many walkways that run diagonally through it. It is one of the busiest areas on campus, and while most know it for housing the legend of the Block M, it is also a hub of student culture, constantly bustling with Michigan’s diverse student population. One of these students is Jacob Melamed, a junior from Los Angeles who has found his own purpose in the Diag. You might know him by his Instagram handle, @umichfits, or as the mysterious boy with the camera who documents fashion on campus. We sat down with Melamed to learn more about the Michigan fashion scene and how it has redefined his definition of trends and personal style. 

When did you start the Instagram account, @umichfits? 

I started in August of my sophomore year, which was I guess a year and six months ago, I think. So it’s been a year and a half. 

What prompted you to start photographing fashion on campus? 

When I first started, it wasn’t really about fashion. It was just about finding people that I thought were cool and taking photos of them and making friends with them. As I saw that there was actually really an audience who wanted to see what cool outfits people had on campus, the account kind of changed to include more diversity, more interesting outfits, more, you know, what the people wanted, I was happy to take photos of. 

What are some of your favorite trends you’ve noticed since beginning your account? 

Since starting my account, that’s a good question. So I was gone last semester, I had to go back home, but since I’ve been back I’ve been seeing a lot of hand-knit stuff like balaclavas, and scarves, and mittens. I think those are really cool. I’ve been seeing lots of dyed hair which I think is really cool. Vintage dad sweaters, warm fuzzy clothing for winter time. In summer I think, it’s been a minute, but maybe more flowy clothing, people experimenting with their figure and different proportions I think is really cool. But I don’t really keep track of trends, I kind of just show up and I’m like, ‘oh, that looks cool!’ I’ll take their photo.

Where is your favorite place to shoot on campus? 

Well here’s the thing, I don’t really go to shoot that often. If it’s not the diag, where else am I gonna go that has a sufficient amount of people in a day where I can find good outfits? I’ve gone to North [campus] a couple times and it was fun, and I’ve definitely found some people with nice outfits, but when I’m waiting for two hours, and I maybe only see like six or seven people versus here [the diag] where I can see that many people in half the time. There’s just not enough foot traffic, at least when I went. But it’s not that I’m not up to that, so maybe this year I’ll organize something to get more people outside in a different area other than the diag.

How would you describe your own personal style?

My style? Oh my god. Thrifted? I really don’t go out and buy a lot of my own clothing that isn’t second hand anymore. I mean, I feel like that’s the case for a lot of people on campus. I don’t know, I’m not sure if I conform to a specific style or anything. I honestly think my outfits are generally pretty basic, nothing crazy. 

Do you have a favorite article of clothing that you’ve thrifted that stands out to you? 

It’s not this one [referring to Grand Casino t-shirt], but I have another Grand Casino shirt. It’s cats at a poker table, and they’re all playing poker. It’s definitely the grail.

In regards to fashion, what do you hope or expect to see on campus in the new year?

I’m always an advocate for more color. I think it’s really easy to slip on, especially in this weather, slip on a black puffer jacket and kind of just schmooze your way to class. Totally understandable, no shame in that. But I mean, grab a yellow puffer. Grab something that’s multicolored. Throw some patches on there. I don’t know, make it interesting in some way. I think that’s something I’d love to see. I’d also like to see — my friends were asking me about more feminine clothing, like if I would wear a dress, because that’s trending right now. Or what feminine clothes I might try, like cropped shirts, are also really trendy. And I’m all for that. If you think you’ll look good breaking gender boundaries and wearing something, just do it. 

Can you describe UMich style in 3 words?

So, you said UMich fashion is so diverse, there are so many different styles and people wearing different, unique things. So I would say unique. 

Oh man, you know what I would love to do — to split up the majors and try and give three words for each major. Because like, the Ross kids give the business casual drip, and the STAMPS kids have more of an alternative, very thrifted, all-over-the-place style. But, I mean, it all depends on the person so, unique, lots of vintage stuff so, vintage, and awesome. 

Has this experience changed the way you view personal style?

Yeah, I don’t know, it’s kind of intimidating to go out into an interview right, and you are looking at me like ‘oh, this is umichfits, he has to have good style, he has to wear something nice.’ So in that sense, I think yes. Even though most people don’t know who I am or what I look like I feel kind of intimidated or pressured to change my style. 

What do you hope others gain from your account? 

That’s a great question. I think getting a little taste of what Michigan fashion looks like. Maybe some inspiration for their own style if they see someone in a cool outfit that they like. I don’t know, I think one of the coolest experiences that I’ve had has been freshmen that came up to me this year and last year and saying like, ‘hey, I saw your account and it made me excited to go to Michigan.’ And I was like, wow, that’s so cool. I really felt like I’m making an impact in the little small fashion scene here.

Is there anything else you want to say to the people? 

I said this in the last interview, I said that we should be more free with complimenting other peoples’ outfits, because it is so easy, and I feel like it’s something that can change someone’s day. You know, ‘man, someone said they like my outfit today, my ego is gonna puff up for the rest of the night.’