"I started my own brand because I wanted creative freedom," explains Germaine Renner of her new line, Love Alchemy. "I wanted to begin something of my own to inspire others and create daily with no limitations." The Merchandise Prouduct Development Grad says that the best part of running her own business is getting to choose the projects that she wants to be involved with.

FIDM Alumna Leah Garvin is launching the fashion incubator FactoryLA in mid-June in the downtown fashion district. The Apparel Industry Management grad plans "to help emerging contemporary brands expand while making their clothes in Los Angeles factories where legally documented workers earn a fair wage," reports California Apparel News. Garvin plans on offering the kinds of services an emerging designer needs—costing strategies, production plans, public relations, marketing, and sales tips—as well as sources for manufacturing locally.

FIDM Alumna Margarita Arriagada, the Chief Merchant for Sephora, is profiled on NBC Latino. Her 30-plus-year career included working in fashion merchandising as well as in product development and branding for Lladro, where she regularly commuted to Spain. "I started working right out of high school in a department store," she tells NBC. "I needed to earn money, so I worked while I studied Interior Design." She later changed majors to Merchandise Marketing because she enjoyed working in retail.

Joining Sephora was her first foray into the beauty world and today, she is a decision maker for the company which operates 1,300 stores in 27 countries worldwide (and there are plans to expand to over 300 stores across North America). "I just loved the retail experience with Sephora -- I loved the people, and the different approach to cosmetics than you usually find in a department store."

FIDM Graphic Design Grad Caitlin Connell is a Creative Coordinator at Universal Pictures, a major Hollywood studio. Here is how she turned her education into a career she loves in the entertainment industry.

What was your major?

I graduated in December 2011 with a degree in Graphic Design/Entertainment option.

How did you find your job?

Nonie Hillier, my Career Advisor, helped me make the contact at Universal. I interned in this department as a student and it took some time but I always wanted to go back to Creative Services, as a full time employee.

What does the job entail?

We split up all the films in my department, so I am in charge of all our Catalog and Amblin properties—about 80 properties. I retouch film images and approve/give art direction  for incoming product, asset distribution, and product photography. I work under great bosses and am learning so much!

How did FIDM's program prepare you?

The Graphic Design program prepared me in  many ways. It taught me all the programs I need to know in this industry. I use Photoshop, Illustrator, Keynote on a daily basis. I am constantly working on different films so it definitely taught me how to deal with the pressure of deadlines. My instructors Steve Reaves and Kevin Reagan inspired me to work really hard and always do better when I was ready to give up. 

Visual Communications Alumna Alicia Romo had a longtime dream of opening her own boutique. Together with her husband, she is the owner of Gather Boutique, an online women's clothing and accessory retailer of bohemian and vintage-inspired trends with a modern twist.

"We really like to play with whimsical styling and the idea that you can pair hard and soft styles together, and this formula influences each buying decision," Alicia says. "We started the business online only for the time being because we can hit literally any market; we've had extreme success in Europe and Australia, as well as here in the United States." Gather mixes mainstream brands like BB Dakota and MINKPINK alongside smaller known brands such as Warpaint tanks, Ornamental Things, and Vinca jewelry.

"FIDM helped me in preparing for my career because my classes taught me almost every facet of the fashion industry," she adds. "I constantly think about how my products look to the public and am always using the tips my instructors taught in my Visual Communications classes to make my presentation look and flow better online."

FIDM Graduates Leslie Christen, Erica Thomas, Nicole Hanriot, and Nazy, along with current FIDM Student Emma Dermody, were all hailed as "Orange County's Top Fashionfluencers" by Locale magazine. In order to select the top 5, the magazine is asking readers to vote through Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

"If someone had told me two years ago that I'd be the Visual Manager of my favorite brand, I wouldn't have believed it," says FIDM Visual Communications Alumna Brittany Bush. "I couldn't have done it without the help of such education teaching and support from the Career Center." We caught up with Brittany to chat about her exciting career.

What is your current job title and responsibilities? I am currently a Visual Manager for Free People in Topanga Canyon (URBN INC.) My position in our store carries many responsibilties that ensure high sales year round. As a visual manager it is my duty to create excitement for our customer and team members using concepts, trend stories, class focuses, inspiration boards, and overall new merchandising techniques.

Our company really thrives off of culture, photography, social media, and music and our product represents these aspects of a young woman's life. This is where I am able to bring visions of this lifestyle to life through our product.

How did FIDM's Career Center help you with this job? While I was a student at FIDM, I really utilized the career center as much as possible. My Career Advisors, Ray Garcia and Marco Antonio, were helpful in so many ways. During my second year, I heard that Anthropologie was seeking interns and it was the perfect time for me to get in. I reached out to Ray Garcia on how to make this possible and he gave me all the information I needed.

I landed the position as Visual Intern shortly after and it was there that I really got to learn the ins and outs of working hands-on in the industry. Once graduation came, I wasted no time on the job hunt. I made an appointment with Mr. Antonio (who was previously my Lifestlye Presentation teacher) and he let me in on all the tips to finding a succesful career. I went straight home after our meeting, full of motivation, and applied the advice given to me and voila! Within a few weeks I recieved a call from our Store Manager and got the position!

How did FIDM in general help prepare for your career? Before I had any plans of even going to college, I had no direction as to what I wanted to do with my life. I have always been really into designing things by hand and FIDM was just a pipe dream at the time. Upon being accepted to my dream college, I was introduced to so many new career paths that I never even knew exsisted. Every teacher and every course I had taken was such an eye opening, inspiration for me.

FIDM set me up for what was really to be expected in this industry. My teachers had all either previously worked professionally in the industry or were current in the industry and knew how to get me prepared for this career. Without sugar coating anything, they were able to build up my confidence and the thick skin that is needed to suceed as a newly graduated, work hungry individual.

I once heard the saying, "You can't write a symphony without a low note." Before FIDM, I had enough with the low notes. Thanks to such wonderful staff, college, teachings, and experiences I am well on my way to writing a beautiful symphony.

Chanelle Kerr worked at Fendi for four years before attending FIDM. She graduated last year with a degree in Visual Communications and launched SaVous.com, a unique fashion retail site. FashionClub.com caught up with her at her latest fashion shoot.

Her advice to current FIDM Students?

"Take your experience very seriously and work hard, because it pays off. Also don't take for granted the people whom you meet at FIDM because they are going to be your peers in the industry. Everyone in this industry knows everyone and it’s important to maintain excellent relationships."

Get to know FIDM Alumna Chanelle Kerr and get a glimpse into her career as the owner of SaVous.com. Read the entire story on FashionClub.com.

Merchandise Marketing alumna Jordan Stolch has a full-time career as a Los Angeles freelance stylist for film, television, editorial, commercial, celebrity/red carpet, and performance.  She shares her passion and tips for breaking into the business.

“Currently I am working on a wide variety of projects, all of which are on the highly creative styling end. I'm focusing a considerable amount of my time with new artists, working with their labels to create highly brandable images that will set the groundwork for their careers. I am very interested in this process as well as collaborating with directors, producers, and everyone else involved in the creative team.”

How did Merchandise Marketing lead to styling?

Much of what I do as a freelance stylist is about maintaining my own business and having the wherewithal to run it successfully. As creative as this field is, it is just as essential to be able to properly negotiate contracts, solidify future work, and maintain a strong rapport with clients.  Merchandise Marketing gave me many of these skills while also focusing on trend awareness and direction. Although the Merchandise Marketing degree is focused on careers in buying and management, there are so many other areas where it is relevant. I understand that FIDM has recently brought Luke Storey on to the faculty to teach a styling course. I think this was a fantastic decision and well overdue. There are so many self-taught stylists working here in LA who would really benefit from something like this.

Did you use the Career Center?

I used the FIDM Career Center more than anyone else in my program! I visited the Career Center on my very first day of school because I didn't want to waste any time. I started my first internship in my second month of school. So much of where we get in this industry is based on who we know and what we've worked on (especially in styling), so I knew I had to begin immediately.  

Can you tell us about your internships?

I did four internships while at FIDM, all of which helped me get to where I am now. I interned with Jessica Paster (celebrity stylist), Luke Reichle (costume designer for Castle, Secrets of the Red Carpet), at California Apparel News and then at American Idol under FIDM alumna Soyon An. When I started working with her we did So You Think You Can Dance, day-to-day styling for Cher Lloyd as well as all of her music videos and performances, Taylor Swift for the American Music Awards, Shania Twain's show in Vegas and Pink's "Truth About Love" tour. With Soyon, I worked 7 days a week and put everything I had into what I was doing. I made sure to learn as much as possible, take note of everything, and absorb everything I would need to be successful on my own.  

How did FIDM help you in the industry?

My education not only taught me the ins and outs of the fashion industry, but more importantly showed me what kind of work ethic is required to succeed. This is a very tough industry to survive in and I feel like FIDM made us privy to that. Many people will give up, many people will decide that they just aren't cut out for it. I think FIDM taught me how to be persistent, strong and determined.

Any advice to aspiring stylists?

My advice to all stylists is to never let yourself get complacent and never feel like you are doing enough. There is always something more you can be doing to better yourself and thus better your career. It could mean reading more blogs, catching up on new designers, getting more familiar with the season's trends, or looking for more work. It is a very competitive industry and if you aren't willing to give it 200%, there will always be someone behind you who is.

Merchandise Marketing Alumna Federica Capuano started at Ted Baker London as an intern in the downtown showroom—a listing she found with the help of her FIDM Career Advisor. Nearly two years later, she is U.S. Marketing Associate at a company she loves. "Ted Baker is an amazing company to work for," says Federica. "They sponsored my work visa. I travel to London twice a year for meetings and our seasonal fashion show. I couldn't be happier and I owe a lot of it to FIDM!"

How did you grow at the company?

When my internship was about to end, my EVP asked to meet with me to discuss my career goals. After a few days, he called me back and offered me a position as Wholesale Marketing Assistant. Apparently my supervisors during the internship had been talking to him about my performance and how they thought I was going to be a great fit for the team and the job!

Can you describe your curent responsibilites?

I work closely with the Brand Communications and U.S. Wholesale teams to create and implement a cohesive marketing strategy for U.S. markets and brand launches. I am in charge of updating an online Product Knowledge Portal so that all the sales teams can access information on all aspects of the brand. I measure ROI and effectiveness of marketing and communications programs, as well as forecasting and tracking marketing and sales trends, and analyzing collected data. And more!

What do you love about the job?

Instructor Kim Helgeson, who is also a Graduate of FIDM's Merchandise Marketing Program, designed the Mattel Experience, the company's first-ever branded store located at LAX, Terminal 5. Opened in September of last year, the shop is featured in a six-page spread in both Retail Design International and DDI Magazine. "I designed every aspect strategically to entice, engage, and encourage shopping, but also by making memorable brand expereinces for those patrons," the award-winning store designer told DDI.

The Mattel Experience is part of LAX's ongoing remodel, which includes a Kitson shop, Pinkberry, and Ford's Filling Station restaurant. The airport is now focused on showcasting the unique diversity and lifestyle of Los Angeles by including L.A.-based businesses.

Billings, Montana native Ryan Eaton (pictured with brothers Dusty, left, and Dallas, right) passed away in February from synovial sarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer, but continues to inspire others thanks to an idea he had when applying to to FIDM's Graphic Design program: a t-shirt business called United Luv. 

After attending FIDM, Ryan began to work on a business plan for the line with his brother Dallas, but life took a sudden turn. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2011, and enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, he realized that something as simple as an iPad could connect patients with family and friends and provide a much needed distraction. Ryan's family went ahead and produced the t-shirts and today, sales from United Luv and other donations are going toward providing iPads for patients in need.

Ryan's mother Vicki Eaton told the Billings Gazette: "Obviously our hearts are broken, but this is helping to mend them by giving back and through the amazing support we've gotten from the community already."

Pinterest is quickly becoming one of the most important forms of social media around. The pin board-style social photo sharing site is generating more referral traffic than Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter, making it key for doing business today. Whether you're a brand, blogger, or just a Pinterest enthusiast, this workshop can help you take your pinning to the next level.

FIDM Alumni, Students, and Staff: $30

FIDM Guests: $40

For more details please contact hello at agiftedsociety dot com.

First Lady Michelle Obama (pictured with host Conan O'Brien) chose a black gown by FIDM Alumna Monique Lhuillier for the recent White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C. The dress featured Chantilly lace, embellished cap sleeves, and a molded bustier-style top.

Merchandise Marketing alumna Sarah McKenna works for TJX Canada as an Allocation Analyst for designer brands. "It is my responsibility to allocate the right product to the right stores, at the right time! It is an exciting, challenging role that allows me to drive profitable sales by creating an optimal mix on the sales floor," says Sarah. While attending FIDM, Sarah worked with her Career Advisor to find positions at Michael Kors and BCBG—building her resume for her post-college job hunt.

Merchandise Marketing alumna Susan Boudakian has just been promoted to the Associate Buyer 1 position at TJX Companies California Buying Office. She started at TJX as Merchandise Assistant 1 right after graduating in June 2012, after holding internships at bebe and Stylesight while at FIDM.

"I love my job and the company I am with. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as a buyer and hope to be buying for my own department in the next 3 to 4 years. I also want to travel. The good news is that TJX has offices all over the world and the possibilites are endless!

Miranda Warman graduated in September last year with a degree in Merchandise Product Development, and is now working as the Guest Coordinator for the Vera Wang store on Melrose. Miranda recently designed the wedding gown for her former FIDM Instructor, Mina Lee.

"I am currently working as the Guest Coordinator for Vera Wang on Melrose Avenue. I am the first point of contact for every bride who walks through our door. I am in charge of reaching out to all wedding planners, hotels, concierges, wedding vendors, and bridal bloggers, and I do a lot of marketing and planning of store events and partnerships. Working for Vera Wang is my dream job. Vera has such an intriguing aesthetic and is the one who sets the trends for the bridal industry. She has found a way to create edgy and fashion forward bridal gowns that still come across as timeless and elegant. Prior to working for Vera I was across the street working as a Bridal Specialist for Carolina Herrera New York. Having the opportunity to work for these high-end bridal designers has been incredible! It has not been easy, but I have learned so many skills and valuable information."

Read the entrie interview with Miranda Warman on FIDM's FashionClub.com.

Chris Tsuyuki graduated from FIDM in 2011 with a degree in Merchandise Product Development, and is now an Assistant Editor at WGSN, a major fashion trend forecasting publication in the industry.

Her advice for someone who want to become a trend forecaster?

"Intern, intern, intern. School is important but job experience is invaluable. Ask questions, be observant and go beyond the bare minimum that is asked of you. I interned with an independent designer for the year that I was at FIDM, which gave me hands-on experience with the design process, from mood boards, fabric sourcing, line development, and fit sessions to New York Fashion Week, meetings with buyers, shooting the lookbook, managing press, and shipping orders. Specifically for trend forecasting, it’s important to be observant and it’s not enough to just know fashion. Educating yourself and keeping up to date with art, music, technology, science, social, economic trends, along with knowing fashion and design history, is paramount. All these things feed into and influence apparel trends." - Chris Tsuyuki

Alumni Advice is a new series on the FIDM Blog featuring advice from FIDM Grads on everything from internships and FIDM resources to networking and risk-taking.

After graduating from FIDM and receiving a bachelor's degree from Chapman University, Lauren Livingston began working for online retail store Cultwine.com, where she realized a passion for designing, maintaining, and managing websites. "So I decided to start my own web design business, Lauren Livingston Design, and Cultwine is still one of my best clients," she explains. "Running my own business allows me to have full creative freedom and I get to interact with clients from many different industries, which makes it constantly interesting."

Lauren says that FIDM helped prepare her for this fast-paced career by giving her real world experience in the classroom. "FIDM is unlike any other school in that, it focuses its classes on projects that give students a real glimpse into owning their own business."

Merchandise Marketing Alumna Tawnee Renee Gomez launched her San Diego-based wedding and event planning business Urban Shindigs in summer 2012. "Since starting my business I have booked 18 weddings for 2013 and am already booking for 2014. Thanks to FIDM I am using my marketing skills to the fullest!" reports a busy Tawnee.

FIDM Alumna Chelsea Albert graduated with a Professional Designation in Merchandise Marketing in June 2012. Less than a year later, she's at her dream job as an Inventory Development Analyst for Victoria’s Secret Sport at Limited Brand headquarters in Ohio. How did she put it all together so quickly and what does an analyst do?

How did you land the job?

Two days after finishing FIDM I got a job at Nasty Gal in LA. Nine months later, a recruiter noticed  that I was from Ohio and called me. The timing was perfect since I wanted to return!

What do you love about your job?

I love all of it! I have time in the office doing analysis; I travel to the stores to talk with managers and associates; and I keep in touch with distribution and production centers. This position is the last line of defense before the product hits the stores. My job is to learn how clients are responding to our merchandise and help the stores meet their goals.

How did your FIDM education help?

I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work in fashion being from Ohio. I had no real knowledge of the fashion or retail industry after getting my B.S. from Ohio Northern. At FIDM, I learned all the formulas, planning programs, and terminology to give me a strong foundation in the industry.

Any advice for incoming students?

One of the biggest benefits of FIDM is permanently belonging to that close-knit community of dedicated professionals. Taking advantage of that network really helped me in my job search.

While at the Micam show in Milan, Italy, Fashion Design Graduate Vilma Tawilian came up with the concept for Vilo Milean, a new women's footwear line. "The craftsmanship and design of shoemaking has always inspired my passion," says the L.A.-based designer, who spent countless hours researching and visiting shoe factories in Italy to find the best shoe craftsmanship. "With Vilo Milean, I want to give women art to wear on their feet." The collection will be available in select stores in 2014.

Merchandise Product Development Alumna Anna Lundahl (pictured, right) is currently the Senior Fashion Designer at Soho Apparel Group, where she is responsible for the new women's contemporary line Love, Soho. The company also has the license for BLVD Supply, which is rapper Soulja Boy's clothing line. "We are launching BLVD Supply Girl at the trade show FAME in New York City," Anna explains.

"Since there has been so much work for me in the last few months, we hired Kathleen Flores (pictured, left), who is also an MPD Graduate, as an Assistant. She has been such an amazing addition to our growing team here at Soho Apparel."

All Access Music Group has a report about Merchandise Marketing Alumna Caitlyn Gordon, who is the new Promotions Coordinator at Red Bow Records/Nashville. "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the staff," she says. "I sincerely look forward to learning from the best!"

At last night's MTV Movie Awards, Brittany Snow accessorized her navy Lela Rose dress with a sparkling clutch from FIDM Graduate Farbod Barsum. The Leela Clutch in Natural Sparkle Ring Lizard features Swarovski crystals and is made entirely by hand.

Photo via People Style Watch

Around 300 people attended Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego's 4th annual Fashion With A Passion fundraiser at FIDM's San Diego campus. The event featured a fashion show of Paul Hernandez's Spring Resort line and Joe Vilaiwan's stunning jewelry (both FIDM Grads), along with the Ultimate Accessories Swap. A flurry of media covered the fundraiser, including KUSI Channel 9, Channel 6 San Diego, and Fox 5 San Diego, among others.

Read more in the Union-Tribune San Diego.

Courtney Trop began the Always Judging blog in January, but her enviable personal style has already landed the FIDM Graduate a gig modeling Stella & Bow's music-inspired jewelry collection, just in time for Coachella. Designers Lauren Brokaw and Lindsey Lerman told Racked LA: "Courtney is the perfect representation of our style. We love that she mixes it up; much like our jewelry, she can look super feminine with the perfect hint of edge, or vice versa." 

Apparel Industry Management Graduate and New Orleans native Marcus Stewart is co-starring on Bravo's popular show Dukes of Melrose. The fashion docu-series, airing Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m./9:30 pm. central, is a behind the scenes look at iconic vintage boutique Decades and its charismatic owners, Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos. Based in New York City, Marcus is the East Coast Editor and Trunk Show Coordinator and regularly appears on the show. 

What were you up to prior to joining the Decades team? During college I always worked. I thought it was super important to have a school/work balance. I was a model with BMG Models while in college and I worked for Sacred Blue Denim as an International Sales Rep, a Paid Intern at Vogue, West Coast Stylist Assistant at GQ, and an Executive Assistant and Assistant Vintage Buyer at Lily et Cie prior to Decades.

How long have you been working with Decades? I have known Cameron and Christos since I was about 18, but I didn’t start working for Decades until I moved to NYC. I have been with the company for three years. I’m responsible for all client and business relationships on the East Coast. My daily tasks consist of conducting house calls with my uber fancy clients (where I go through dozens of closets and find amazing designer clothing) and planning and helping to produce trunk shows worldwide for Decades.

What is it like appearing on TV? What has the reaction been from friends and family?  Being a part of Dukes of Melrose has been an amazing experience so far. Everyone has been super supportive and I get lots of calls and texts every Wednesday night; it’s very encouraging and important to have positive and supportive family and friends. For me, it’s like returning home. Before there was fashion in my life, there was the stage and modeling. I grew up doing local TV work and modeling so I feel very comfortable and I can’t wait to do more. Although, I loathe the way my voice sounds on television, I guess I will have to get over it.
 
Any favorite designers? I love denim and I love strong accessories. My favorite jeans to wear are my Dior’s -- I own maybe 10 pairs. Hermes for me is my ultimate need and want! I love accessories, be it a belt, hat, or bracelet. I will never sell any of my Hermes. So far I have nine pieces and I sleep with them all every night!

What do you love most about your job? I love my clients and I love the personal stories that go along with each dress that I find. That is my motivation and what gets me excited. I love hearing how they felt 30 years ago in a mini Alaia dress or who they sat next to the night they wore that amazing 1970s James Galanos beaded evening gown. I love history and style moments, so for me that is what I’m really in love with.

FIDM Fashion Design Alumna Chan Luu is featured in Garnet Hill's updated website and print catalog. The retailer celebrates Luu's new jewelry collection and their 15 year collaboration with an exclusive interview. Read more. Plus: Nine FIDM Grads work for Chan Luu. Meet them here.

Merchandise Product Development Alumna Emily Tonkin is receiving a flurry of press for her women's activewear label 30:Fifteen. The British designer focused on tennis for her first collection of comfortable, durable, and stylish gear. Here's  a quote from one interview with Emily: 

Following the Nerd (FTN): Can you tell us what an accelerated degree actually is?

ET: It's a degree but in half the time. You study more intensively and targeted. At FIDM they are designed so as soon as you graduate you can fall into a great job, which I did.

Read more about Emily's line here:

The Next Women

Tennis Identity

Following the Nerd

Anglotopia

FIDM Graphic Design Grad Bri Emery of Designlovefest will be hosting a promotional event at the Splendid store at the Grove on Saturday, April 13th, 2 to 4pm. The store is offering free sips and snacks, a photobooth by Smilebooth, bouquets and hair accessories—and 20% off. Drop in on Saturday and say hi to Bri!

FIDM Graduate Isaiah Kerns has a new job as an Assistant Footwear Designer with T&C Footwear Corp. working on their Gomax and NVY lines. "I work with an amazing group of dedicated professionals who put so much of themselves into their work," says Isaiah, who is also a 13 year U.S. Navy veteran. "FIDM was an integral part of me becoming a part of T&C. Kathy Bailon, the Footwear Program Coordinator and Kevin Keele in the Career Center never stop working for students and alumni."

Isaiah has been sketching shoes for over 30 years, but knew that he needed the business and technical training that FIDM offers. "That's why I chose Apparel Industry Management as my souorce major," he adds. "I continued on to the Footwear Design Advanced Study Program, which is where all the pieces finally came together for me."

Apparel Industry Management Graduate Karla Deras conceived her fashion blog business while studying at FIDM. The popular blogger behind Karla's Closet also has an e-store, Shop Karla's Closet, that sells vintage clothing.

Former FIDM Student Lauren Conrad was one of the few celebrities to have a bestselling magazine in 2012, according to Women's Wear Daily. The author, designer, and style expert's May 2012 Glamour cover was the year's runaway top seller with over 500,000 copies sold.

FIDM Alumna Monique Lhuillier has introduced a line of smart, sophisticated shoes to go with her fabulous dresses and ready-to-wear. Priced at $595 to 1,195, the elegant heels are available at Saks and the designer's salons. Monique explained to Fashionista: "Expanding into footwear was a natural extension of my designs. I've aways wanted to dress women head-to-toe and had been pursuing the possibilites of a shoe collection for some time."

Famed jewelry designer Chan Luu, who is a Graduate of FIDM, has nine fellow Alumni working at her Los Angeles-based company. Meet them below!

Top Row:

Katie O'Keefe - Receptionist and Ecommerce Order Fulfillment

Amanda McTague - Immediate and FGI Coordinator

Tessa Tran - Senior Jewelry Designer

Edgar Moreno - Jewelry Production Connoisseur

Josue Gonzalez - RTW Design Assistant

Bottom Row:

Kaytlin Harold - Data Entry Assistant

Kaitlyn McCauley - Jewelry Design Assistant

Katherine Delgado - Creative Development & Graphic Designer

MaCenna Derouen - Ecommerce, Marketing & Social Media Director

Stila recently released a video for their new After Glow Lip Color that features Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Alumna Kia Ragland, who is a Product Development and Packaging Coordinator. Beauty major intern Shelby Calligan is also featured in the short clip, which you may view here.

FIDM Graduate Matt Baldwin of Baldwin was just announced as a Best New Menswear Designer in America by GQ magazine. As one of four "newest, brightest, sharpest talents in the land," Matt will design an exclusive collection that will be available at Gap in October. His Kansas City-based denim label was founded in 2009, and he's since expanded to American-made shirts, tees, and chinos (worn by Jay-Z, among others).

Read more about Matt in the current issue of Dialogues.

Fashion designer Maria Stanley and her new L.A. clothing label Harlyn were recently profiled in the Los Angeles Times. While at FIDM, Maria interned for Sarah Johnson of Rock N Reconstruct, evening gown designer Julia Clancey, and Tulle, where she was hired as an Assistant Designer. She was promoted to Designer and then worked for Ark & Co., a contemporary line, prior to starting Harlyn.

The guiding aesthetic for the brand, which hit stores including Planet Blue and Anthropolgie in February, could be described as "It's Jess!" — as in Zooey Deschanel's character in "New Girl. Girlie "fit and flare" dresses, collared jumpsuits, cap-sleeved peplum blouses and discreetly tailored peg-legged trousers in sand-washed almost suede-like silks with heavier drapes are spiced up with signature prints that play on classics like a navy and ivory chain link motif.

"The Harlyn girl is sweet and feminine, but quirky and nerdy too," muses Stanley, who references slightly offbeat fashion plates like Deschanel, Alexa Chung and Clémence Poésy as archetypes. "She comes off confident [in her uniqueness] and isn't afraid to mix and match patterns."

FIDM Alumna Maria Dona is featured in the April issue of Orange Coast magazine. The Fashion Design Graduate is the Owner and Designer at Finca Home in Newport Beach, a home, body, and spirit lifestyle store that offers design services.

Desiree Hartsock didn't find love with recent Bachelor Sean Lowe, but she is confirmed as the next Bachelorette for Season 9 of ABC's hit franchise. The Colorado native and fan favorite is a FIDM Graduate and currently works as an operations manager at a bridal salon. She hopes to one day be a bridal gown designer and open her own boutique.

The season premiere of The Bachelorette will air Monday, May 20, 2013, at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Photo Credit: Kevin Foley/ABC

Claudia Chioda graduated from FIDM with a Fashion Design degree in 2006, and is currently working as a designer at one of the best and biggest intimate apparel companies in Los Angeles, Honeydew Intimates.

Claudia's advice for FIDM Students?

"Take advantage of all that FIDM has to offer. Go to labs, and get involved. It will be over before you know it, so don’t try to rush out of there. It’s OK to not have all the answers; that’s why you’re in school. Ask your teachers questions; they’re there to help. Also, intern and network! You never know who you will meet and where your next job may come from. Stay in touch with your classmates." - Claudia Chioda

Full Name: Xin Zhen

Age: 19

Hometown: Guangzhou, China

Current Year in School: Freshman at St. Louis University

FIDM Major: Merchandise Marketing

FIDM Campus and Start Date: LA Campus, Fall 2013

Admissions Advisor: Seung Kim

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I enjoy staying home and doing some reading or online shopping. I love to watch movies; Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is one of my favorites. Also, I like playing chess with my friends.

What made FIDM right for you? First, the major I chose combines my fashion dream and my future career (taking care of our family business). Second, I felt a passionate atmosphere when I first visited the campus.

What are your career goals? For my dream, I would like to become a fashion stylist, but I need to take responsibility for my family, so the career I have set for the future is related to banking. If my dream doesn't conflict with my career, it will be fantastic to combine both.

What do you expect to learn at FIDM? I want to learn everything about the fashion industry and use this knowledge to succeed in the future.

FIDM Grad Joe Vilaiwan's jewelry collection for the Disney movie Oz the Great and Powerful was featured in a weekend Image story in the Los Angeles Times. "Most befitting for an empress from the Emerald City might be something from the incredibly ornate, opulently bejeweled 52-piece collection by L.A.-based jewelry designer Joe Vilaiwan," swooned the Times.

Pieces from the collection are available at the FIDM Museum Shop and other fine jewelry boutiques and museum shops.

Fashion Design Alumna Kristen O'Connell, of the custom clothing label No. 2 Skirts, recently visited her hometown of Silver City, New Mexico. The designer, who was fresh off her first fashion show in Minneapolis, shared career tips with students at her alma mater, Silver High School, and at the local public library.

The Silver City-Sun News has a profile of Kristen and more information on her hometown visit.

"I was inspired to start SaVous because during my time at FIDM, I had to live on a budget," explains Visual Communications Alumna Chanelle Kerr. "I found it extremely difficult because I like nice things. It made me realize that there was a gap in the market for an online style destination like SaVous." Her site offers affordable, quality fashions and customer service is a primary focus.

"FIDM was a great experience for me and I loved the close relationship I had with my instructors," she adds. "I will always be extremely grateful for the fantastic friends and peers I met there. I gained so many skills and the confidence I needed to pursue the right career path for me."

FIDM Graduate and Fashion Star Wardrobe Stylist and Costume Designer Daniel Musto will be appearing at Macy's Galleria at Hidalgo in Houston, Texas on Saturday, March 15, 2013. Open to the public, Daniel will host a spring fashion show at 2:00 p.m.

The Houston Chronicle has a full report.

Peruvian-born designer Eduardo Reategui attended design school in Florence, Italy at Polimoda University and earned his degree from FIDM before going on to work at companies such as St. John Knits and True Religion Brand Jeans. Now a designer of his own self-titled ready-to-wear line, Eduardo will show his latest collection at OC Fashion Week, which is held from March 19-24, 2013.

New FIDM Industry Partner St. Pucchi Bridal recently hired Fashion Design Graduate Melinda Iler and Apparel Industry Management Alumna Rebecca Evans. The bridal brand also recently hired a FIDM Student for an internship. President and designer Rani Totman founded the avant-garde couture line in 1985. Today, St. Pucchi gowns are available throughout North America, Russia, the Middle East, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Costume Designer Mikael Sharafyan, a native of Armenia, comes from several generations of artists such as Irene Sharaff, who won five Academy Awards in Costume Design for films such as The King and I and An American in Paris. Mikael is forging his own successful path in the industry, working on shorts and feature films such as Betrayal and Lost and Found in Armenia.

What projects are you working on currently? I'm currently working on a horror film. I have couple of more projects lined up that I can't reveal yet.

What's a day in the life of a Costume Designer like for you? My day starts early in the morning. First, I go for a walk before the sunrise, which allows me to plan my day in advance. Then I do sketches as a warm up. On weekends I am off to museums and theaters to get inspired. I have subscriptions to LA Opera and LA Phil. I think it is mandatory for a Costume Designer to connect with all art forms: music, theater, and visual art. This helps me to build a memory database, which I can use every time I design something. My day ends with reading. I sometimes read two to three books at the same time in three different languages. I especially love biographies because I want to learn about the ways how different artists became successful and what paths they took to get there. I also read the Bible.

How has what you learned at FIDM helped you in your career? First of all, I had amazing instructors, who became my mentors. They taught me techniques that I still apply to my work. FIDM was my very first choice after high school and I am so glad that I made a right decision to go there.

How did you land your first job in the business? I was still a student at FIDM and I was taking History of Costumes with Lori Bleckmann. I was very passionate about this subject and she noticed that. One day Ms. Bleckmann asked me to stay and said that there was a couturier, Ali Rahimi of Mon Atelier, for whom I could do an apprenticeship. She arranged our meeting and that's how I had my first experience in the industry. It was not a glamorous job -- I was organizing the store, sweeping the sidewalk, and ironing yards and yards of fabrics. It was a great experience. I truly started from the bottom and slowly built myself up. I remember one of his clients was rock singer Meat Loaf. Four years later I became his designer for the feature film Betrayal. My first job in movies as a Costume Designer was offered to me by my wonderful career advisor/mentor Maril Delly. These individuals play key roles in my career and I will never forget that.

Below is a music video for "Disasteroid" by Friend Slash Lover that Mikael won a Costume Design award for:

Keep up with Mikael's busy career by liking his Facebook Page.