FIDM Magazine

Drew Barrymore Wears Alumna Chan Luu's Scarf

Drew Barrymore was recently spotted wearing a Chan Luu Olivine Cashmere and Silk Scarf. The FIDM Alumna has countless celebrity fans such as Jessica Alba, Beyonce, Vanessa Hudgens, and Nicole Richie.

Must-Have Monday: Kate Spade Cha Cha Chocolate Hazel Clutch

It's Halloween, which means that mass quantities of chocolate and candy will be consumed tonight. To celebrate the sugary festivities in style,  we're putting this sweet Kate Spade Cha Cha Chocolate Hazel Clutch at the top of our must-have list! --Angel

Sugar Scout Couture Designed by FIDM Alumna

TLK Fusion has partnered with accessory line Sugar Scout Couture, designed by FIDM Alumna Kenya Kirkland. Her big statement jewelry has garnered numerous fans and celebrities.

“We are thrilled to work with a top FIDM graduate with such vision, drive and talent,” says TLK Fusion Founder and Senior Vice President Tracy Keyser. “I truly believe that Sugar Scout Couture will soon be the must have trend in Hollywood.”

Alumnus Opening Shop on Melrose Place

On August 29th, Farbod Barsum, designer of ultra-luxe handbags and accessories, will open the doors to his self-titled boutique, on the same street as iconic designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and fellow grad Monique Lhuillier.

FARBOD BARSUM

8428 Melrose Place, Suite B

West Hollywood, CA 90069

T - 323-651-4800

FIDM Student Offers Handmade Bags

FIDM Merchandise Product Development Student Alicia Rhodes started making her eclectic handmade cosmetic bags as a senior in high school. Now in her fifth quarter at the fashion college, Alicia is selling a selection of the adorable carry-alls online at Etsy.

Jewelry Design Student Launches Line to Keep Accessories in Top Shape

Jewelry Design Student Taylor Gainor has launched the PURSE STUFFER by KeepShape. Her company is dedicated to making women's lives easier while maintaining the integrity of their prized accessories. By stuffing their handbags, women can avoid having their purses lose their shape and becoming damaged.

"The PURSE STUFFER is an innovative idea and it has the potential to grow into something substantial," says Taylor. "My main goal is to have KeepShape be a well-known brand for keeping your personal accessories in good shape."

SF Alumnus Launches Luxury Handbag Line

San Francisco Fashion Design Alumnus Farbod Barsum has launched a Los Angeles-based luxury handbag line made from exotic skins such as ostrich and alligator. In addition to his degree from FIDM, Farbod has a master's in architecture.

Each piece from the collection will yield a charitable donation to autism research, a cause that's close to the designer's heart.

Vintage Showroom Sale in Downtown LA This Friday, 3/25

Bleu Vintage is holding an end of month showroom sale, Friday and Saturday, March 25 to 26. Featuring handpicked vintage men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from the 1950s to the '80s, the showroom carries a large selection of vintage shoes, jewelry, and handbags. Among the designers represented in the handbag collection are: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Dior. Vintage dresses are priced as low as $15 each, two for $25— and there are $2 clothing bins for the truly bargain obsessed. FIDM Students get an additional 10% off total purchase.

Sale hours are from 11am to 3pm both days. Cash and credit only.

Bleu Vintage is at 453 S. Spring St.,  #533, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Tel: 213.219.4228; www.Bleuvintage.com 

FIDM Instructor Discusses Art of Jewelry Design

Award-winning Jewelry Designer Valerie Mitchell is returning to FIDM this spring to teach Metalsmithing II. Valerie’s limited production work has been carried at museum and design shops like the Museum of Modern Art, NY; specialty fine craft or jewelry stores and galleries like Freehand, LA; and fine department stores like Takashimaya and Barneys, NY in addition to being on display in public collections. After earning a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in Jewelry Design from Rhode Island School of Design, Valerie started her career by exhibiting at the highly selective American Craft Council Market Show. Among the honors she has received, Mitchell’s medallion design was recently chosen as a CRA public commission to be permanent signage for the Los Angeles Downtown Arts District and her Tiara was in the Craft in America museum tour and book.

We recently spoke to the downtown resident about today’s jewelry scene and the art of teaching Jewelry Design at FIDM.

What are the career opportunities for a Jewelry Design major?

The beauty of a jewelry career is that you can adapt and change as needed. The business of Jewelry is a very wide field—just ask the FIDM Career Center. The opportunities are endless, from individual artist/metalsmith/designer to creating a production company or working for a design house or marketing.

What do you do in your classes?

In the Metalsmithing I-III classes, basic hand fabrication techniques, torch soldering, tool use, and manipulation of metal, with various stone settings, and construction are emphasized.  Other classes offer many other processes and design projects.

How does FIDM differ from other design colleges?

The studio classes are located in the heart of the Jewelry district, well equipped with individual benches with torches and tools. FIDM Students follow a series of classes created for their field with an emphasis on industry, design, and technique. It is a very focused environment. 

Can you recommend any special places in LA for inspiration?

In LA, inspiration is all around us. It’s important for students to find what motivates and inspires
 
them, what is their unique perspective. The Craft in America Study Center on West Third Street is a unique opportunity to see what has come before and learn the history of fine craft movements and artists. 

Banana Republic Teams With FIDM Alumna Chan Luu

Banana Republic has teamed with renowned jewelry designer and FIDM Alumna Chan Luu, to create a collection of limited-edition bracelets, which launch exclusively on May 20 at Banana Republic's San Francisco accessories-only test concept store, Edition by Banana Republic. This is the first time Banana Republic has worked with a jewelry designer to create a special collection. The 17-piece collection consists of four different styles in a range of colors. The bracelets will cost from $95 to $225.

You may read the entire press release here.