Salt Lake City, Utah native Jill Sorensen is studying Film & TV Costume Design on the Los Angeles campus, and just finished working as an assistant costume designer on an AFI film called 113º. 

"Officially I was the assistant costume designer and my classmate, Melissa Himawan, was the lead costume designer. I helped with prepping a few days before filming, and worked as a set costumer for a week during filming. The level of creativity and professionalism on this film was unsurpassable. The movie is set in space, in the future, while the space ship is breaking down. If that is not intense then I don't know what is. The costumes were fantastic and extremely well thought out. Most of the garments were hand-dyed by Melissa and adorned with custom-designed patches..."

Read the entire interview on FIDM's FashionClub.com.

Pictured: Christina Campos, Elizabeth Reidenbaugh, and Sung Cho-Rothe

Representatives from retail giant Nordstrom visited FIDM Orange County for an inspiring discussion about the company and the retail industry. Students learned some interesting facts about Nordstrom during the event. (For instance, did you know Nordstrom started as a shoe company in 1901?)

Sung-Cho Rothe, the Store Manager at the Nordstrom in Mission Viejo, spoke about her experience with the industry and gave great tips to the students about how to move up in a company like Nordstrom. Christina Campos, Store Manager at the Nordstrom Rack in Pasadena and FIDM Visual Communications Alumna, talked about how nice it is to work for a company like Nordstrom that promotes from within, as well as being able to switch brands.  Recent Merchandise Marketing Grad Elizabeth Reidenbaugh who works for the Brass Plum brand at the Nordstrom in Mission Viejo also spoke at the event.

Nordstrom subsequently hired two FIDM Students to work on the company's social media, including Facebook. Speaking of social media: Social Media Manager Larry Del Santo was on hand to live tweet the Nordstrom visit @FIDM.

Film & TV Costume Design Student Alyssa Gudino was just awarded a prestigous paid summer internship in Costume Design with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation. This internship is hailed as one of the top 10 in the country. In the four years that Film & TV Costume Design Students have been entering the national competition, FIDM has had finalists all four years and a winner three out of four years.

FIDM Interior Design Alumna Danielle Colding, a former professional modern dancer and Stanford grad, is a contestant on the new season of HGTV's Design Star, which premiered last night. The principal designer of the residential and commercial interior design firm Danielle Colding Design is inspired by her world travels and creates eclectic, but polished spaces.

Vote for Danielle as your Fan Favorite!

View Danielle's Design Portfolio.

Ashley Molina
Major: BS Business Management

Where did you go to school?
I had a year at San Francisco State in Biology.

How did you find FIDM?
I researched and found FIDM in SF. I signed up there and then switched to LA and earned my AA in Merchandise Marketing here in LA.

How did you choose a major?
I was working at Marc Jacobs in New York and LA so I knew I wanted the financial side of a high-end luxury company. Now I’m working at Barneys on Lanvin handbags.

What do you love about the major?
Everyone thinks if you go to FIDM you want to be a designer, but they don’t realize there is a very large business aspect to fashion. I am learning the language of business so I can move up.
 

Two FIDM Alumni have been featured in the article “Invasion of Beauty Bloggers” on LAWeekly.com. FIDM Graphic Design Alumna Bri Emery, author of the Blog Design Love Fest, and Interior Design Alumna Erika Brechtel, of brand styling studio Small Shop Studio, are both quoted in the article.

Regarding her experience at FIDM, Emery tells FIDMDigitalArts.com that FIDM's Instructors “pushed me to be creative, proactive, and gave me the tools to become a good freelancer!”

Read more about how Emery applies the Graphic Design/Branding skills that she learned at FIDM in her career as a freelance graphic designer on the FIDMDigitalArts.com Blog.

Mikael (right) with actor Eric Roberts (left)

"I am a proud FIDM Alumnus," says Theatre Costume Design Graduate Mikael Sharafyan, who just wrapped his fourth feature film as Costume Designer. "This latest film is titled Betrayal and stars Eric Roberts, Ric Young, Scott Schwartz, and Jack Topalian."

Keep up with Mikael on his Design by Sharafyan Facebook Page.

Internatinal Student Paula Meliana Lim was first introduced to FIDM by a friend. After studying Fashion Design, she moved back to her native Indonesia and started designing collections for her mother's company, Eva Bun Wedding Gallery. Today, Paula Meliana is a successful evening gown and bridal line, featured in Jakarta Fashion Week 2012.  

"FIDM helped me set a strong foundation for my career by providing all the best things that a Fashion Design Student needed to learn," she explains. "The teachers are experienced in their field and my experience at FIDM was unforgettable."

View some of her runway images here.

Michael Kors has created an enormously successful lifestyle brand and now the American fashion designer has unveiled a store to match--an enormous Michael Kors store, the largest in the world to date. Located on New York City's Madison Avenue, the new store occupies two floors and is a whopping 6,655 square feet. The huge space houses shoes, handbags, glasses, and watches, as well as the MICHAEL by Michael Kors ready-to-wear collection. But Kors' in-house design team didn't stop with the loads and loads of accessories and fashion on the sales floors; they took advantage of the space above the shoppers too (the ceilings are 22 feet high, after all). There's a custom feature wall with the Kors logo etched in glass and an 18-foot-high screen where the brand's videos will be highlighted. 

After the success Prada and Ferragamo have had with the stock market, family-owned Italian fashion house Versace is looking to stay competitive and may seek outside investors to make that happen. The company first entertained thoughts of making an IPO to help further its growth at the time of founder Gianni Versace's death in the summer of 1997, but has remained rooted in family, namely sister Donatella, brother Santo, and Donatella's daughter Allegra, since he was tragically killed. Now rumors are swirling that the high-fashion brand may be looking at outside options for expansion and will possibly partner with financial giants Goldman Sachs to stay competitive in the global luxury market. CEO Gian Giancomo Ferraris said in a statement, "The Versace brand has great potential for growth in existing, as well as new markets, even if expansion is slow in the global market for luxury goods." Stay tuned!

Today's must-have is one that is more fantasy than reality as this Sequin Baseball T by Oscar de la Renta comes with a $2,495 price tag. Still, the minute we saw it on the runway of the designer's Resort 2013 runway show last week, we were smitten, along with dozens upon dozens of other fashion lovers (it's been the topic of countless Tweets). The tee itself is so genius because we've really never seen anything like it--equal parts sporty, party girl, and luxurious (it's made of 100% silk). It manages to be completely girly and glamorous, but in a fresh, new way that's fun, casual, and just a little boyish. In short, this is a must-have "It Girl" tee.

Alumna Jill Ohanneson is the Emmy-nominated Costume Designer behind shows such as Six Feet Under (for which she won the Costume Designers Guild Award), Dexter, and the hit ABC show Revenge. This talented FIDM Grad also worked on feature films such as The Replacements and The Pledge.

What is a typical day like on Revenge? We are always filming one episode while we are prepping the next one and wrapping the previous one. I usually start the day at the set around 7AM to make sure everything is set for that day's filming. Then my Assistant Designer and I either start fittings with actors that we have already shopped for or head out and start shopping for clothing/fabric and or pulling rentals for upcoming fittings.

There may also be meetings with Directors and Producers to discuss the script and look of the next episode. Throughout the day I am checking in with my Cutter/Fitter to see how made-to-order garments and alterations are going and with my Set Costumers to see how things are progressing on the set. There is also the coordinating and scheduling of fittings with actors and the breaking down and budgeting of each script that I go over with my Costume Supervisor. I usually head home around 7pm or 8pm unless there is some last minute shopping to be done at the mall.

What sets Revenge apart from other shows you've worked on? The constant upscale nature of the world in which Revenge is set. I love that we are creating a rich and elegant fantasy world that we want everyone to wish they were a part of. We set the bar high and now have to maintain that level of elegance and sophistication throughout the season. The clothes need to be beautiful and elegant yet unique to each character and appropriate for each of their scenes all the while navigating figure flaws and fragile egos.

And rarely do any of the women wear the same dress more than once so maintaining the upscale look for each episode is a consistent challenge. There are lots of big parties and events that everyone has to look beautiful for so we have a large volume of costumes coming through our offices just for the background extras that we dress in addition to the costumes for our main actors who all have to look perfect unless of course they've just been shot.

There is also the very real world of what we call the "townies," who are much more blue collar and working class and their world needs to contrast in just the right way with the upscale life of their highbrow neighbors. We don't ever want anyone to come across as a caricature of their character.

Do you have a preference between working in film and television? They both have their pluses and minuses. Feature films, which usually take anywhere from four to 12 months, allow you a lot more time to research and develop your characters, more time to shop, build, and or rent the perfect pieces for your costumes. It also allows for more time for aging and dyeing to make costumes look well-worn and used when they need to be. But more and more features are being filmed on location outside of California and it's a lot harder to have a family while designing for features.

Television is fast and furious! We film a 50-minute episode every eight days so you have to be really organized and a good, fast decision maker. I have found that TV has really honed all the great skills I learned in feature films and that I now instinctively know what will and will not translate onto the screen. So I find that I am now more precise with my costume choices and also more decisive about the overall look and design of the show.

Television also gives me the opportunity to show the emotional and physical arc of a character through their costumes over the course of a whole season instead of in 90 minutes in a film. I also love working on television in Los Angeles as the crew talent and costume shopping and rental resources are unparalleled -- and I have filmed in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.

How did FIDM help prepare you for this exciting career? FIDM helped prepare me for my career in so many ways. I leaned how to design and construct clothing, color/texture/pattern/fabric terminology, budgeting, research and proposal techniques, the importance of presentation, invaluable leadership and management skills, forecasting and the cycle of fashion trends, and how art history of the past and the current events of today have and continue to influence fashion and film. I really loved my time at FIDM and use the knowledge and skills I learned there every day.

What would you say to someone who wants to be a Costume Designer? The main advice I would give to someone wanting to work in Costume Design is to get as much experience as you can while in school in your community. Work in any available theater or plays that you can while in school and look for beginning volunteer film work on college and university student films. I also highly recommend FIDM's Film & TV Costume Design Program. It really gives the students the knowledge and experience needed to enter right into the film world.

I know many former students who are now working in the industry as Designers, Assistant Designers and Shoppers. I have also hired many FIDM students right out of the program to work for me as Costume Department Production Assistants as they already know where all the costume rental houses and department stores that work with the studios are.

Watch a clip about the fashion on Revenge and hear Jill talk about how the looks have evolved throughout the course of the show!

FIDM is nominated in three categories -- Best Museum (FIDM Museum & Galleries), Best Unique Store (FIDM Museum Shop), and Women's Clothing (FIDM Scholarship Store) -- for L.A. Downtown News' "Best of Downtown" Contest.

Vote for FIDM now!

When you vote for at least 30 categories, you are automatically registered for a chance to win a weekend on the town, including two nights at the Biltmore, dinners, and cash prizes.

International Manufacturing & Product Development Alumna Mercedes Curran has an exciting career with Darling magazine and works in fashion law. We recently caught up with Mercedes to learn more.

Tell us about Darling Magazine. Darling Magazine was started by two of my dearest friends, Sarah Dubbledam and Kelli Lane, when they were in college. They saw a major lack in current media to reach the deeper aspects of life for women and decided to create a magazine that would aim to make a change. I was brought on the team about four years ago to help with creative direction and content.

We have over 70 contributing writers and counting, as well as a huge community of women who are involved with the movement. I currently manage the Stylist section, assist with creative direction, as well as managing community relations. We launched our Kickstarter campaign May 1st and raised all of our funds to go to print in September!

Tell us a little about the fashion research you do for a law firm. While I was in my third year Advanced Study Program at FIDM, one of my instructors, Gabrielle Golddaper, hired me to assist her with the legal research she does. Gabrielle is an apparel expert whom law firms refer to for expert opinions within the fashion law. We have continued a long professional relationship with me assisting her on a number of cases, some including clients such as Guess? and Hudson Denim.

We primarily work on copyright and trademark infringement cases, using apparel industry and current marketplace knowledge to provide evidence for our attorneys. In addition to very much enjoying working for Gabrielle, she has become a dear friend and personal mentor. With this as part of my portfolio I was referred by FIDM’s Career Center to another law firm, Call & Jensen. I continue to do research for them, searching digitally, within libraries, as well as traveling. I thoroughly enjoy this as part of my career life as it enables me to work with flexibility and new projects.

How did FIDM help prepare you for either or both careers? Where do I start with FIDM preparing me? With regards to my legal research I can put to work my knowledge of historical fashion and understanding of the current marketplace to enable the law firms to best defend their clients. In addition to understanding the industry as a whole I could not be more grateful for the use of the library and wonderful staff there. I am so thankful that it is available to me as a FIDM Alumni.

For Darling, everything from my ability to be inspired by and evaluate fashion and individual style, to working in Adobe, to marketing an idea to being able to publicly present that idea. Having a variety of skills from my Merchandise Product Development and then International Manufacturing and Product Development Programs have enabled me to believe that if we can dream it we can achieve it.

I know how to look at an end goal and then break it down into actions we can take to make it happen. There are so many experiences and opportunities that I never expected to have in life; I truly love what I do and believe that is what success looks like. I look at the future with such excitement. I thank FIDM for much of that.

FIDM Graduate Greg LaVoi, a twice Emmy-nominated costume designer, is the author of Barbie Loves L.A. (Angel City Press), featuring a forward by the legendary designer Bob Mackie. Now in paperback, the book features more than 100 images of Barbie (complete with vintage outfits) at iconic spots such as the Beverly Hills Hotel and Pink's.

Check out what’s new on the FIDMDigitalArts.com Blog:

World renowned composer and music sound designer Diego Stocco will be presenting the Digital Media Student of the Year award at this year’s graduation. Stocco is known for his innovative approach to music-making and sound design, developing incredible music scores for film and television, often using nothing but his custom built instruments and organic sounds. Stocco collaborates with FIDM often as a guest lecturer for Digital Media Students, and was featured in FIDMDigitalArts.com’s Take 5 web video series.

Diego's music graces the silver screen in Warner Bros.’ thriller, Chernobyl Diaries, debuting in Los Angeles this weekend. You may also hear Diego’s music in films Into the Blue, Crank, and Takers; and TV shows The Tudors and Moonlight; and he has worked with pros like Academy Award® winning composer, Hans Zimmer.

Below, check out Diego in action for a special promo video called ‘Music from Nature,’ developed by Burt’s Bees to celebrate Earth Day. Read more about this video on the FIDMDigitalArts.com Blog here.

Merchandise Product Development Graduate Rachael Allen has a thriving career with Nike and is quickly becoming a world-class athlete in the process. We recently caught up with her to talk about her next move, what she does in her spare time, and how FIDM helped prepare her for this exciting industry.

Tell us about your career history with Nike. I started with Nike in October 2009, at Niketown Los Angeles in the beautiful city of Beverly Hills. I started as a seasonal sales associate, quickly working my way up to a permanent employee, getting MVP for the month of April and the 2010 Quarter. I then moved into a fulltime Visual Merchandising associate position, then became a Visual Merchandising Specialist.

I am now a Product Lead where I work directly with the Run Club, product, and visual display of the store. I work directly with the new product, working with corporate directives to merchandise and present on the floor. I must understand all features and benefits of Nike product and present to the team. I oversee monthly initiatives, markdowns, transition, and product placement. I am also a Brand Ambassador for Nike Running, and travel around to different Nike Running events.

When I first started with Nike, I was lost and confused of where my path was taking me. I was barely making it in LA and needed to find a job to have income. I had just signed up for the LA Marathon 2010, and was getting more involved in running. Having no previous running experience, I found Nike. I had been involved in high fashion, working multiple internships in New York and LA, but something was always missing.

I had always had an interest in running, and when I witnessed the LA Marathon in 2009, this overwhelming feeling took over my body, and I knew that it was my calling to get involved with the sport. At that point I traded my high heels for running shoes, and I couldn’t be happier! I represented Nike at the Nike Women’s Marathon in 2010 and 2011, and am currently registered for the 2012 season.

I was an ambassador for She Runs LA 10K 2011 and 2012 and ran the Nike Half Marathon in London 2011. I also had the opportunity to run next to Jason Lester, a Nike ultra endurance athlete who is currently running cross-country on his Journey for a Better World. I flew out to South Carolina to run 10 miles with Jason and support him along his journey, such an EPIC experience!

I am currently working closely with Nike Better World and the Journey team on planning the LA Events for Jason Lester as he continues his journey through LA on June 1-4. Being an athlete, I also train individuals for their first race: 5K up to Marathon. Personally I have now completed six marathons, 10 half marathons, multiple 5Ks and 10Ks, and a few triathlons. I am currently training for my first Ironman 70.3 triathlon where I will swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles. 

What do you like to do in your free time? When I have free time you will find me training, or if I have a free Sunday I will be running a race. I love training season, so I will be biking at Griffith Park, running in Malibu or along the beach, and catching some laps in the pool. I strive to become a better athlete everyday. I also work on my portfolio and think of ways to innovate running gear and stay up to date on current trends find ways to incorporate high fashion details in athletic wear.

When I am not working or training I am with my friends relaxing by the beach enjoying the lovely weather of California. I love to getaway to Palm Springs to clear my head and get in some training in the intense heat. You will also find me with my 3.5 pound malti-poo, Coco Chanel.

How did FIDM help prepare you for this career? Originally from Ohio, it was a dream come true to be accepted to such an amazing school. FIDM helped me prepare for my career by giving me an amazing education and helping me learn the discipline and determination it takes to make it in this business. Combining running in the mix has completely changed my mentality, and I must work hard and train harder to get to where I want to go.

Nike has been an amazing company and I am so blessed to be working with them. I am able to use my education of design and development to work closely with the product by merchandising the new seasonal lines in the store, working with the buyers and allocators on sell through of the product, and giving incite on Nike product during use.

Being an athlete myself, I can understand how the apparel works with the body during activity and through sport. My next venture will be moving up to Stanford to work with the Nike Running Team.
My goal is get to WHQ in Oregon on the Running Team to work directly with the athletes and product. I will design for Nike Running one day, and moving to Stanford will get me one step closer. I will continue to train others and compete in a full Ironman in 2013, and run my first ultra marathon (50 miles) in 2012.

Join me for a run every Thursday at Niketown LA @ 6:30 PM
Run 3, 5, or 8 miles around Beverly Hills
9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills

Twitter: @RaeRunLove
Website: http://www.wix.com/raerunlove/run

Alumna Bethany Yellowtail's sculptural black leather mini dress is featured in the Phoenix New Times. With an exposed front zipper and lace neckline, the tulip dress "walks a fine line between Gaga and glamorous," according to the newspaper.

Name: Kaitlyn (Katy) Jean Weprin

Age: 22

Hometown: Studio City, CA

Previous College History: Courses completed at University of California, Merced and will be graduating from FIDM with a Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Degree in June.

FIDM Major: Business Management B.S. Degree

Why did you decide to continue your education at FIDM? I know that the knowledge and skills taught in this program will foster my abilities to reach my goals. I also understand that the privilege of higher education is something no one can take away from me. Advancing my education does more than simply build my resume; it expands my wisdom to become a more judicious and diligent woman in society.

Campus and Start Date: Los Angeles, Summer Quarter 2012.

Admissions Advisor: Kathi Gilbert

Tell us a bit about yourself. I love to be outside in the fresh air camping, hiking, and gardening, but my true passion is dance. Before I came to FIDM I was training to be a professional dancer and it will always be a part of my life. I work part-time at Bare Escentuals, a mineral-based cosmetic and skin care company, as a Beauty Ambassador. Here, I turned my passion for art and painting into makeup artistry.

I’m also interning at Just Fabulous, an online fashion boutique, in their Social Media Marketing Department. Finally, I recently began interning for Pop Beauty, a fun and edgy cosmetic line. They are a relatively new company that hired me to take over their social media marketing. Since I started work there, I’ve instigated two new social media platforms, written press releases for all of their Fall and Holiday products, and developed a process to monitor social media marketing’s weekly impact on brand awareness and sales.

What are your proudest accomplishments so far? Growing up, I was heavily involved in Scouting. My proudest accomplishment was completing my Gold Award, the highest achievement given in Girl Scouts. I wanted to reach far beyond my local community to make a difference globally to underserved countries. So, in 2008, I initiated a local drive to collect technological equipment, to aid the Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) in Sironko, Uganda. I collected over 20 laptops from local corporations, as well as monetary donations, for YTF, and arranged to ship them overseas.

Being the Co-Event Planner and Director of Communications for FIDM’s 2012 Road to Beauty event is another proud highlight of mine. By presenting an impressive panel of beauty industry leaders, we wanted to raise awareness to other students about the major taught at FIDM. My next proudest accomplishment will be to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from FIDM and obtain a full time job.

What made FIDM right for you? After high school, my original career goal was to be a Sports Medicine Pediatrician. In school I loved the sciences, but I also always had some sort of creative outlet to balance the left and right sides of my brain: dancing, drawing, painting, and playing the cello. I slowly realized medicine was not the right field for me. I took some time off from school and worked non-stop. I was a LAUSD Teacher’s Assistant at a middle school, a math and science tutor, and the Assistant Manager at a privately owned gym, all at once.

Eventually I realized that none of those things sparked passion and excitement for a career. I knew that I had to go back to school to search for that passion. My mom, herself a graduate of FIDM, suggested we attend the FIDM Open House and when I encountered the Beauty Industry major, I had this overwhelming feeling in my gut that I had just seen my future. In the last year and a half, I’ve learned so much about the industry and myself.

What are your career goals? My long-term career goal is to become the VP of Marketing or Product Development for a beauty industry company. Hopefully this will also involve a move to a new city, like New York or San Francisco -- hot spots for large beauty corporations. With the knowledge I gain from FIDM, perhaps I will happen upon a bright idea that will inspire me to pioneer my own business one day.

Since I am seeking a management position in the near future, this program will facilitate the executive tools that I need to succeed. I’m also excited to attain “technical, analytical, financial, and entrepreneurial skills” to better evaluate and problem solve common and uncommon issues that may appear in my field of work.

Follow Katy on Twitter @kayjean_

On last night's finale of American Idol, past winner Jordin Sparks wore a stunning silver MIA gown by Kevan Hall for her duet with contestant Hollie Cavangh. The exciting evening concluded with Phillip Phillips being announced as the latest Idol winner.

A high point of the finale was when Jennifer Holliday sang her famed "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" with finalist Jessica Sanchez. The original Dreamgirl donned a olive silk chiffon gown with oxidized beading by the L.A.-based designer.

Photos via MTV.com

Women's Wear Daily recently called Houghton designer and FIDM Alumna Katharine Polk a "Designer to Watch." Her 25-piece ready-to-wear collection debuted at New York Fashion Week in February and has since garnered attention from fashion outlets such as V Magazine and Bullett.

The debut collection is comprised of long tailored coats, menswear-inspired suits, hand-beaded statement gowns, and day-to-evening wear in luxurious fabrics including silk cashmere, satin-faced chiffon, raw silk, and wool/silk blends.

Katharine, who previously worked as a design assistant for Badgley Mischka Couture, describes the line to WWD: "It's very inspired by Bianca Jagger, Katharine Hepburn, and Patti Smith -- their spirit and style and how strong and independent they were."

Katie D. | Merchandise Product Development; Her jacket matches her shoes--how awesome is that?!

 See more Street Style on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog!

Fashion Design Student and Canadian native Tamara Itani completed a 300-page manuscript for a book called Marble, at the age of 14. "I sent out query letter after query letter, and after receiving many rejection letters, I finally received word from a publication house in California that was keen on publishing my work," she explains. After two long years of editing, Marble became a reality, and it is now available on Amazon:

"15 year old Penny Kensington is about to take a journey that will reshape her entire life. Bored out of her mind, helplessly in love with a school heartthrob, and lost to the world, Penny appears the average teenage girl. In reality, that’s not anywhere near the case. Pursuing an eccentric, globe-trotting lifestyle with her grandmother and groaning pet chicken (chick actually), Penny receives a mysterious letter from her long deceased grandfather. She learns her grandfather’s dying wishes are for her to safeguard a strange, bejewelled lamp. Penny wonders who would play such a cruel trick on her. (But it’s no trick.) The lamp throws Penny into an unexpected, magical adventure that will have her meet some fantastical characters and propel her a decade into her future."

"It is the most rewarding feeling in the world to have your biggest dream realized into a tangible reality," she adds. 

London-based commercial and editorial photographer Sam Ashley is the blogger behind The Skartorialist. The photo-driven blog showcases stylish skateboarders, from Berlin to Copenhagen, à la Scott Schuman's iconic The Sartorialist.

Christina Rodriguez
Major: Merchandise Marketing

Where did you go to school?
Pasadena Community College

Why did you choose FIDM?
I didn’t like school before I came here. I wanted to go where I could do what I like so I researched fashion schools and I found FIDM.

Patagonia representative Elissa Loughman visited the Downtown LA campus on Wednesday, as part of the week-long annual Innovative Materials Conference whose theme this year is Recycle, Reuse, Reinvent! The event, hosted by the library and FIDM Alumni Association, showcased an exhibit of cutting edge textiles curated by Kristine Upesleja, Textile/Interior Material Manager of the FIDM library. Standouts in the show included a solar-powered ultrasuede rain jacket with pockets that can recharge your cell phone, a crinkly white indestructible Tyvek tent coat, and a beautifully tailored men's jacket made of thousands of glass microspheres that shine in the dark.

Loughman told the fascinating story of Patagonia's founder Yvon Chouinard, and how he started his business 40 years ago forging tools for mountain climbers that would not damage the rocks by leaving holes. As a member of the company's Environmental Department, she explained the planning that goes into creating a supply chain that adheres to the outdoor apparel company's philosphy of not harming the environment.

She discussed five textiles that Patagonia employs for its durable garments: organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, chlorine-free wool, and tencel lyocell. To learn more about the Ventura-based firm's recycling initiatives and its unique returns policy visit the website.

Visual Communications Students Ashley McPherson, Joseph Bordi, and Gillian Dunn recently worked backstage at Tim Gunn's "Make It Work" Spring 2012 Runway Show at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California. The live show featured the spring collections from Juicy Couture, Kate Spade New York, and Lucky Brand Jeans.

Reed Cromwell IV, a 1996 FIDM Fashion Design Grad, transitioned to the beauty industry after founding his own apparel line. He landed his dream job after holding positions at Stila and Lancome. Now, as Vice President of Global Product Development at Anastasia of Beverly Hills, he develops new products for the upscale beauty brand.

Q What do you like best about your work?

A I love being the one who decides what comes next. Skin care and cosmetics are morphing right now. It is a very exciting time.

Q How hard was it to switch from Fashion to Beauty?

A It wasn't difficult. I use the same color theory, layering, and trend reports I used in fashion. I had an intuition about cosmetics built on my experience doing makeup at photo shoots.

Q What's a typical day like?

A I love to come to work! I’m currently working on the next color collection—consulting trend reports, filming tutorials, mixing colors. I travel to national trade shows and appear as spokesperson on Home Shopping Network a few times a year. I am currently working on an anti-aging line.

Q How important is social media?

A I regularly scan online reviews for feedback. “This is the best lip gloss I ever tried,” is a line I love to hear.

Are you always the first to try new eye shadow shades or experiment with hairstyles? Explore the Beauty Industry Merchandising and Marketing program at FIDM.

The San Antonio News-Express has a Q&A with jewelry designer Chan Luu, who spoke about the influence of peace and happiness on her collections:

"I play one hour on the piano a day. I make sure that two hours before I go to bed I turn off my computer and read French poetry before I go to bed. Anything tech-related that stimulates my brain, I shut it off. And I love to take hot baths. That's how I live my life. I really believe your happiness is in your own hands. If I'm not happy, I exude nothing but toxic energy around me."

The top three finalists have been announced in the FIDM Facebook Graphic Design Challenge!

Congratulations Jon E., Angelica V., and Marianna H. who customized the FIDM logo using eye-catching, patterns, typography and graphics to design the images shown above. Now it's time to cast your vote to determine which design will be FIDM.edu’s Facebook cover image.

Click here to cast your vote.

Tastemaker Victoria Beckham's fashion line is wildly successful (it's one of the only celebrity fashion lines we've actually seen other celebrities wearing on the red carpet), so a store opening is a sensible next step for the designer. The former Spice Girl sat down with CNN's "Talk Asia" and had this to say, "People say, Am I going to have my own store?" Well? "I would love to. That's what I'm working on at the moment." Beckham said a store in London would probably be her first choice, but eventually a store in Hong Kong would be a possibility. She also  said she's working on e-commerce right now as well.  What she didn't say was when consumers can expect a brick and mortar shop to open, or even when Victoria Beckham dresses will be available for purchase on her website.  But Beckham isn't feeling any pressure to rush things. "I just want to take baby steps, build this business at a steady pace," she said. "I don't want to run before I can walk." One thing's for sure, when the doors to a Victoria Beckham store do open, shoppers seeking chic duds will be running.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had a huge week -- his company went public and he married his longtime girlfriend, Dr. Priscilla Chan. Guests were surprised when they arrived at the couple's Palo Alto home to discover that they weren't celebrating Chan's recent graduation from med school, but in fact the college sweethearts' nuptials. But perhaps most surprising was that Zuckerberg ditched the hoodie he notoriously wears everywhere (even to his pre-IPO meeting with Wall Street investors) for an actual suit! Zuckerberg has been under attack by many in the fashion and business world for his choice of clothing, so his navy suit and crisp white shirt were a sartorial win for the billionaire. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Zuckerberg!

As nail art goes, we try not to get too fancy unless we have an appointment at a reputable salon. Any DIY work is kept strictly at an amateur level; a glitter top coat or toothpick applied dots is as complicated as it gets. That said, we've been wanting to try the caviar nail trend for some time now, and we're thinking this Ciaté Caviar Manicure™ may actually be simple enough even for us. It's a two-step system, so the hardest part will probably be deciding which color we want to try first

The Topanga Messenger has a story about the play, Moon Over Buffalo, which is playing through June 24th at The Group Rep Theatre in North Hollywood:

"Note should be made of the fabulous costumes by Angela M. Eads, who is a double graduate of FIDM, having earned her Associates of Arts degrees in both Fashion Design and Costume Design. Her amazing skill is evident in every gorgeous gown or outlandish costume seen onstage."

Fashion Design Alumna Carla Zimbelman, who designs under the name Carla Renee, started teaching fashion courses at Monterey Peninsula College in 2011. She's also working with the Department Chair to revamp the program.

"In addition, I design and produce handbags, wedding gowns, apparel, and other custom designs," she says. "I am a one woman show!"

Carla is wearing a dress, fascinator, and clutch that she designed. You may visit Carla's Etsy Shop and Facebook for more information.

Recent FIDM Visual Communications Grad and PAVE Student Design Competition winner Florence Tang is currently in Paris helping with the new Levi's store on the Champs-Élysées. Reports Racked: "For the next two months, French DJ Busy P), James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, as well as street artists Mr. André, and Shepard Fairey will produce collaborations, installations, and limited edition goodies to commemorate the new Parisian digs." Read more here.

Talk about a sneak preview! FIDM Merchandise Marketing and Visual Communications Students received a special tour of Old Navy's flagship store led by Megan McAndrews, Lead Remodel Coordinator. Located in the historic Pacific Building and just down the street from FIDM San Francisco, this store is in a high traffic tourist mecca making it one of the most important 'billboards' for the brand. A test space for high-volume, low-capacity fixturing and layout, it employs twenty Visual Merchandisers who do everything from opening the stores, organizing merchandise, and helping customers to daily planning and sales floor upkeep.

FIDM Graphic Design Students have been asked to create a design for a product that can be given to the VIP guests at the big reveal when the store reopens this coming August.

Do you ever wonder what the costumes from your favorite television show look like in person?  Well, it’s almost that time of year where the FIDM Museum plays host to the 6^th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design exhibition. 

The exhibition will showcase costumes from this past year’s hottest television shows.  Among the costumes on display will be Costume Designer, Ane Crabtree’s designs for Pan Am, Jill Ohanneson’s designs for Revenge, Mandi Line designs for Pretty Little Liars, and Eduardo Castro’s designs for Once up on a Time.

It's free to the public and will run July ^31th –October 20, 2012.  You can drop by the museum Tuesday-Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. to catch a peek at the costumes responsible for bringing these shows to life!

Just Accepted Apparel Industry Management Student Bryan Morales will start pursuing his dreams of starting a clothing line this fall at the Orange County campus. Inspired by hip-hop, skateboarding, streetwear, and sneakers, Bryan hopes to one day have his own store and collection.

"I want to create a line that caters to the hip-hop and skateboarding community. I hope to fulfill my dream of owning a store in Los Angeles. I long for the day when music artists, skaters, actors, actresses, and athletes come in to my store to shop. Expanding my clothing internationally is a goal of mine as well. To open up stores in countries across the world is something I have dreamed of for quite a while. But for the most part, I want my clothing line to be successful enough to give back to my entire family."

Read the entire interview at FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog.

"Photography was a hobby of mine," explains Fashion Design Alumna Megan Crothers. "After graduating, I started incorporating what I had learned at FIDM into photos, and it eventually grew to doing full fashion shoots with my friends."

With Megan Jeanne Photography, this alumna captures emotion and beauty and tells stories through her photos. "My style has always been a little off-beat. I love finding unusual pieces at thrift stores and incorporating them into my wardrobe and photography," she adds.

In addition to evocative fashion shoots, Megan photographs weddings, babies, musicians, and portraiture. She likens photography to telling a story without writing a word.

Alexis Concha
Major: Visual Communications

Where did you go to school?
I went to Riverside Community College for 2 years for General Studies.

How did you find FIDM?
I’ve been coming here for special events since high school. I always knew I wanted the fashion industry.

What do you love about the major?
I love that it is so broad and creative; it allows you to follow many career paths. I do love my Photoshop and Illustrator classes.

Just Accepted Visual Communications Student Caitlan Szabo already has a successful career working at Nordstrom, where she is passionate about helping clients look and feel their best. Her passion for fashion and desire to work as a stylist (her idol is Rachel Zoe!) led her to FIDM.

"The atmosphere at FIDM caught my eye. After touring and meeting people at FIDM, I got an immediate 'at-home' feeling. I fit right in with the other students and that’s an amazing feeling. FIDM has so many more things to offer me than your standard college; it feels like the sky’s the limit here.  I’m inspired, hopeful, and excited!"

Read the entire interview at FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog.

Whidbey Island native Ariel Carroll just graduated from FIDM with a degree in International Manufacturing & Product Development (IMPD). She is continuing her studies at FIDM with plans to finish her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management by March 2013.

"This program was the best. I made so many connections and friendships, and gained so much knowledge that I can take with me throughout my educational journey and career path. My teachers have been absolutely amazing, and traveling to Europe and Hong Kong has given me a new perspective on research and manufacturing."

Read the entire interview on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily.

Vis Comm Advisory Board member Harry Cunningham

Anne DiNardo, Editor of VMSD, a resource for retail designers and store display professionals, came along when FIDM Visual Communications Students visited Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store as part of their New York City Study Tour. Harry Cunningham, Senior VP, Visual Merchandising and Store Design (and FIDM Vis Comm Advisory Board member), put together a roundtable discussion with his team of experts. "They shared their career paths, missteps and advice for getting a dream job," writes DiNardo. Read the article.

From the archives: Saks Senior Vice President Harry Cunningham Inspires FIDM Visual Communications Students

Actress Krysten Ritter attended a Swatch event in Los Angeles and looked every bit the glamorous Hollywood star in a shimmering sequined cocktail dress designed by FIDM Alumna Monique Lhuillier. The raven-haired beauty wore a purple watch by the evening's sponsor, bringing out the bright colors of her sparkling dress.

Kick-start your summer job search by attending this fun and informative workshop. Learn how to prepare for your first job interview: what to wear and how to answer commonly-asked questions. Plus, get tips on how to advance your career once you've landed your first job. This workshop is open to the pubic and offered at FIDM Los Angeles and FIDM San Diego. RSVP.

Chanel No. 5 has a new cover model, but it's not some gorgeous rising starlet like Leighton Meester or Dianna Agron. Nope, for the first time ever the House of Chanel has commissioned a male to help sell what is possibly the most famous perfume in the world, and that male is none other than Brad Pitt. The Academy Award-nominated actor follows in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman, Audrey Tatou, and Ali MacGraw, who have all represented the fragrance, and will start to shoot his first ad in London this week. Chanel made the announcement on Twitter (@CHANEL), saying "CHANEL has selected world renowned actor Brad Pitt to be the face of the upcoming advertising campaign for Chanel No. 5." There's no way to know how sales will be affected just yet, but we imagine that if Brad Pitt is selling it, woman all over the the world will be willing to buy it.

For years we've thought Christian Louboutin's signature red would make a sensational lip color or nail lacquer, and now we may actually see this fantasy realized. That's right--the French shoemaker is venturing into the world of beauty with an eponymous beauty line. Louboutin has partnered with Batallure Beauty (the company that has helped develop brands like Ambercrombie & Fitch, Marchesa, and Sephora) to launch Christian Louboutin Beaute in late 2013. No word yet on whether the line will feature makeup, skincare, or bath and body products, but a statement released by the company hinted that there will be "luxury beauty products across a number of classifications." Fingers crossed we'll be swiping the signature Louboutin red across our lips and nails by the time the holidays roll around next year.

The hunt for cool accessories is a constant one. It's not that we haven't been successful, but just when we've fallen in love with a new purchase thoughts of a complementary piece pop up and the search begins again. And all too often, our search for something specific leads to us finding something amazing we weren't even looking for. Enter this Aztec Beaded Clutch--our quest for neon bangles yielded this gorgeous bag.  The bright, tribal pattern is so on trend, plus it's perfect for adding a zing of color to an LBD (but will be equally fab with cutoffs and sandals this summer). And now we're thinking, with a bag this fantastic, who needs bangles?

Visual Communications Alumnus Daniel Musto is only 26 years old, but he's already a stylist phenom whose latest project is styling the runway shows for contestants on the hit NBC TV show Fashion Star. In our latest interview, you'll get a peek at how this incredibly talented stylist launched his stellar career.

What is a typical day like?
1. Wake up after little sleep to a ton of emails from clients, my publicist, and my manager. Attempt to answer them with one eye open.
2. Text Mom to say good morning and tell her I love her.
3. Get ready quickly, because I never set my alarm with anticipation of all my morning emails.
4. Decide whether I want to be a sneakers guy or boots guy for the day.
5. Grab a Kombucha.
6. Hit the road, with my bluetooth ready for the car.
7. Take care of what I need to do for my clients: pulling, shopping, fittings, meetings, etc. Every day is different. One day I could be on set for 16 hours shooting Fashion Star for NBC. Another day I could be in and out of publicity meetings with magazines, blogs, and other media outlets. Other days I somehow do both.
7. Make sure I have met my deadlines for the articles I write daily and weekly for places like CocoPerez, HollywoodLife, Huffington Post, LadyPlusBaby, and more.... oh, and my critiques for UsWeekly's Fashion Police.
8. A few times a week I will attend an event for a media powerhouse like Nylon Magazine or UsWeekly. I walk the red carpet, get some photos taken, and than chat with all the rag-mags about what I think is hot right now.
9. Attempt to catch up on all the texts that have come in for my personal life, which is fun as I will typically have a cocktail in me from the event.
10. Crawl into bed, watch some Chelsea Lately on my DVR, and fall asleep... just to have nightmares about the stress of the following day!

How did you decide that FIDM was right for you?
Coming from the East Coast, I debated going to school in Manhattan, but realized that my love for the Entertainment Industry was as strong as my love for the Fashion Industry. I figured I would marry the two. They make a sexy couple.

How did you choose your major?
Well, at first I studied Fashion Design at FIDM. I went home in tears every day because I was all thumbs when it came to pattern-making and sewing. I met with an Advisor at FIDM (and a therapist) and decided to switch to Visual Communications. I felt much more at home there and was able to breathe easy, knowing that I was fully capable of excelling.

What sort of internships/work did you do while you were going to FIDM?
I interned as a dresser for a fashion show once for stylists Joey & T, when they had their clothing line. I also worked in the New Mart in a wholesale accessories showroom for an amazing boss, where I learned exactly how the merchandise finds its way into retail stores. It wasn't my passion, but I learned essential lessons during the eight months I spent there.

What was your first job after graduating?
Within six months of graduating I was dressing Paula Abdul for American Idol and other appearances, as well as consulting on her QVC jewelry line. It whipped me into shape REAL quick!

How has what you learned at FIDM prepared you for your career?
I think the most important thing I learned at FIDM was how to complete projects in groups made entirely of creative people. Most FIDM Students come from high schools where they stood out as one of few creative students. At FIDM, all the creatives are under the same roof. It is extremely important to "play well with others," especially other people like yourself.

If you could give any advice to students at FIDM, what would it be?
Help each other. No one makes it far in life by keeping things for themselves. Every time the universe gifts you an amazing opportunity, find a way to share it with others. Get jobs for your friends. Give advice to your coworkers. Introduce your peers to the amazing people you meet. The world works in your favor when you do favors for others.

Follow Daniel on Twitter at @DanielRMusto.

LookTV, in conjunction with Project Runway producers, recently held the first ever "Skip The Casting Line" Talent Search. Designers from all over the country were asked to submit videos of themselves and their designs for a chance of receiving a spot at the L.A. Closed Castings of Season 10 Project Runway. FIDM Fashion Design Student Blake Patterson was the lucky winner and hopes to be selected as a competitor on the show's 10th season!

View a short video of Blake with Nick Verreos below!

Nick Verreos has a full report on his blog.

The deadline has been extended for the FIDM Facebook Graphic Design Challenge! FIDM is giving YOU the chance to design the next cover image featured on the official FIDM Facebook page. Anyone interested in art and design is eligible to enter and the new deadline is Sunday, May 13 at 11:59 p.m. To enter, visit the FIDMDigitalArts.com Blog.

A+D Museum to Exhibit Work by FIDM Graphic Design Students in Annual Design Exhibit "EMERGE"

Five Graphic Design Students who are members of the FIDM AIGA Student Group The Red Dot have submitted work in an annual design event showcase, EMERGE, hosted at the A+D Museum by AIGA, the professional association for design.

Nicole Antonian, Sam Arias, Marianna Holguin, Grayden Kough and Jessica Threde, have submitted samples of their graphic design work to be on display. Read details here.

Visit the FIDMDigitalArts.com Blog for more graphic design and digital media-related headlines.

Apparel Industry Management Graduate Matt Baldwin is behind the denim label Baldwin, which has a shop in Leawood, Kansas, and is carried across the country in stores such as Steven Alan, Nordstrom, and Barneys.

GQ says Baldwin is one of the 25 Best Men's Stores in America: "They make only a handful of gimmick-free cuts from primo selvage (and can customize from there)." George Clooney, Ellen DeGeneres, and Elijah Wood are all fans of the line, which is produced in L.A.

Read an interview with Matt in the Kansas City Star.