FIDM Magazine

FIDM Grad Has Sweet Success with Fashion Blog

<Get haute tips from fashionable trendsetters with our Style Scoop Interviews!>

Our latest StyLe ScOoP interview is with ultra-stylish blogger and designer Chanel Ward of the popular Hip Candy. Chanel, a graduate of FIDM's Fashion Design Program, is set to launch her much-anticipated clothing line Hip Couture this summer and we can't wait to see it! Read on to find out what makes this FIDM Grad's career extra sweet! --Kim

FIDM Grad Designs Miss America & Miss California Gowns

FIDM Grad Dinesh Chandrasena designed the sparkling gowns worn by Miss California and the new Miss America, Michigan's Kristen Haglund. Dinesh, a featured designer in FIDM's Annual Debut Fashion Show in his graduating year, has been designing for Los Angeles-based company Claire's Collection since 1997. --Kim

FIDM Grad Leads Silicon Valley's "Ladies Who Launch"

In Fashion Club Daily's latest StyLe ScOoP interview we chat with our favorite entrepreneur, FIDM Fashion Design Grad Hazel Grace Dircksen. Among her many talents, Hazel Grace is a Facebook Application expert whose consulting services are seriously in demand by some of today's most exciting companies. She's also an Incubator Leader for Silicon Valley's Ladies Who Launch, an incredible community of entrepreneurs who share ideas, network, and help one another other succeed at launching their own businesses. Hazel Grace has some insightful and inspiring insights, so do read on... --Kim

Visit FIDM's Hollywood Costume Exhibition!

Where can you see the actual costumes from some of 2007's most exciting films? Only at FIDM's "16th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" exhibition, of course. The costumes from last year's biggest and best films including Atonement, Sweeney Todd, Enchanted, Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, and many more will be on display in the FIDM Museum & Galleries through April 12, 2008. Find out more! --Kim

FIDM Grad Co-Founds Project Ethos

FIDM Graduate Heidi Luerra '07 is the co-founder of Project Ethos, a mega fashion/music/art event in Los Angeles. On February 29, Project Ethos will feature nine designers, 10 artists and three bands for their sixth show. “I am able to take the knowledge of the fashion industry that I learned at FIDM and place it in the hands of the designers showcasing,” says the Merchandise Product Development Graduate. “Most designers don't have an issue being talented or creative but more of an issue on how to be professional, sell themselves, and their product. FIDM taught me these tactics, therefore I am able to pass the information along.”

To buy tickets to the Stars Aligned show at Avalon Hollywood on Feb. 29, or to learn more about Project Ethos show visit Project Ethos. --Victoria

Kim Helgeson Wins Award for Barbie Boutique

FIDM Merchandise Marketing Grad Kim Helgeson has been honored with an "Award of Merit" from the Institute of Store Planners/VM+SD (Visual Merchandising + Store Design) International Store Design Competition in the "New Store Specialty or Department Store" category for the "styled by me" Barbie shop at FAO Schwarz. Kim, also an instructor at FIDM, said she was excited to share the news with her students, "to help reinforce the wonderful possibilities FIDM can help them achieve!" Read our interview with Kim and find out more about the "style by me" Barbie boutique. --Kim

FIDM Press Release: The 16th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design

Only Place In The World

THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL “ART OF MOTION PICTURE COSTUME DESIGN”

An Exhibition Celebrating 2007 Costumes For Film Including The Work Of Oscar® Nominated and Winning Designers

Monday, January 28th - Saturday, April 12th, 2008: FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Los Angeles, California--Monday, January 28, 2008--The FIDM Museum & Galleries in downtown Los Angeles, California will open their 16th annual exhibition saluting “THE ART OF MOTION PICTURE COSTUME DESIGN.” Located on the campus of FIDM/The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, the exhibition closes April 12th, 2008.

More
This annual, free to the public, major exhibition is the only one of its kind in the world. It pays homage to the creativity of the costume designer for film with a museum show of outstanding costumes and Oscar® nominated designs. On view will be over 125 actual costumes from 25 outstanding 2007 motion pictures, including costumes from films nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Costume Design.

In keeping with the museum’s tradition, visitors will see costumes saluting last year’s Oscar® winner for Best Costume Design, "Marie Antoinette." Costume Designer Milena Canonero created the costumes for this film and not only won the Academy Award® for this motion picture, but for “Chariots of Fire,”  and “Barry Lyndon” as well. She has also been nominated for the Oscar® for five additional films.       

Exhibition Information: Including Group Tour Times
Opens to Public:  Monday, January 28, 2008, ends Saturday, April 12, 2008             
Gallery Hours: 10-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (Closed Sunday)
Closed:  Easter Weekend, March 21 through March 23
Admission: Free
Location: The FIDM Museum & Galleries On The Park, 1st Level
FIDM/The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, 919 S. Grand Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Corner of Grand Avenue & 9th Street)
Parking:  Under college building.  Entrance on 9th Street or in surrounding lots    
Tours: For groups of 10 to 25 people. If more than 25 people, group will be split into two consecutive time slots. Tours are one hour: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 and 11 AM, 12, 2 and 3 PM. To schedule tours please call:  213-624-1200 X 3367
Public Information: 213-624-1200,  Ext. 2224

A Bit of Exhibition History
For the past sixteen years, the FIDM Museum & Galleries have honored the incredible work of costume designers in the film industry through this groundbreaking exhibition. With the help of the Costume Designers Guild, we salute the skill, dedication, and talent of those artists we showcase in the exhibition that draws thousands of visitors annually. We are proud of our association with the creative people who produce magic for the film industry and salute their efforts and triumphs.

Media Contact:
Shirley Wilson
213-624-1200 ext. 2625 or
323-655-9915
Email: swilson@fidm.com

FIDM Grad to Launch "Hip Couture" Clothing Line

FIDM Fashion Design Grad Chanel Ward runs the popular blog Hip Candy and is about to launch her own clothing line Hip Couture. Named one of 225 Magazine's "Top People To Watch in 2008," the successful blogger dishes on her career at Technology Starlet. Read the interview here. --Kim

Rachel Bilson Wears Randolph Duke

Fresh-faced actress Rachel Bilson glowed in this gorgeous gown by FIDM Fashion Design Program Grad Randolph Duke at the Cinema Against Aids gala dinner in Dubai. --Kim

FIDM Partners with Owners of Lee & Wrangler Jeans

Both our Students and Alumni benefit from FIDM's exciting Industry Partnerships. Recently, students in FIDM’s International Manufacturing & Product Development Program worked closely with VF Corporation, owners of Lee and Wrangler brand jeans, as they created their own clothing line. Watch the video!

For news on other FIDM Industry Partnerships with companies such as Disney Store North America, AFI, and Windsor, click here. --Kim