Alumna Kristen Perino is the author of a new book published in Germany, Fascination Fashion, which highlights fashion from the last five decades. From Coco Chanel to March Jacobs, Kristen writes about how fashion has affected the world.
The recent Graduate of FIDM is currently the Manager of Studio Services/PR for West Coast at Ted Baker.
Recent Graphic Design Alumna Isabelle Kim designed Pho for Life: A Melting Pot of Thoughts, a collection of short stories and poems highlighting Asian and other cultures.
The book features several short stories from FIDM Orange County Staff and Faculty. "I had just graduated FIDM a month before, started this book in July, and completed it entirely in November -- what a ride," says Isabelle. "The book launch in early December was fabulous for everyone to celebrate the community that has been created and we hope to grow for a future series!"
Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer Janie Bryant spent an hour fielding questions from FIDM Students before signing her new book, The Fashion File: Advice, Tips and Inspiration at the FIDM Museum Store on Wednesday. The upbeat designer traced her career trajectory from 7th Avenue Fashion Designer to top movie and television costume designer, advising students to understand what they want and then to go for it.
“It’s all going to be fine,” said the sympathetic designer, recognizing that the 20s can be a tough time. “It all works out. Just stay focused and ignore the negativity.”
Q. What are the differences between working on TV and film; which do you prefer?
A. I like them both. The main difference is the work pace. The pace for TV is extremely fast. With slower-paced film work, there is more time to create. Sometimes with TV, I will think of another detail, and it’s too late. The show is done filming.
Q. Can you describe your research methods for period costumes?
A. I love working on periods. My inspiration starts with reading the script. I feel the mood and pacing of the story and then I move on to other sources: old movies, the Internet, catalogs, family photos, old magazines like Time and Life, newspaper photos. Early inspiration for Mad Men came from the 60s movie classic The Apartment. McCabe & Mrs. Miller was instrumental in creating the look for Deadwood.
Q. Do undergarments matter?
A. Yes, the right garments create the shape for the garment to ride the body. For Mad Men I use reproduction girdles, long line bras, garter belts. Even if I find vintage pieces, they are no longer wearable since they lose their stretch.
Q. Any advice for how to start our careers?
A. I like making inspiration boards for my life goals and desires. I find that visualizing what I want helps me understand myself and stay focused. Right now, I’m focused on creating a lifestyle brand.
Q. Any advice to those of us who want to work in TV?
A. Most important is to maintain a sense of artistry while staying flexible. If an actor doesn’t like my vision, I try to get him to “just try it on.” Often he will change his mind. But if an actor insists that a costume isn’t right, I work out a compromise. You have to stay flexible.
My other piece of advice is to avoid gossip on set. When a team is working together for 17 hours straight, things can get strange. Have fun with your team but don’t go negative.
Q. How much of Mad Men is original design?
A. The costumes are 50% original and 50% rebuilt from vintage pieces.
Q. Do you have a favorite period?
A. I’m obsessed with the Baroque period (17th century). I’m really into menswear and I love that men were just as fancy as women. They wore ruffles, brocade, and lots of trim. I also love the Romantic period for similar reasons. Yes, I am unreasonably attached to (Victorian) leg o’ mutton sleeves.
Q. Any favorite costumes from Mad Men?
A. I do love Joan’s red Christmas dress and Betty’s riding costume. Let’s not forget Betty’s pink and white maternity dress.
Are you thinking of pursuing a Costume Design career? Explore FIDM's major in Film & TV Costume Design.
Janie Bryant, Costume Designer of Mad Men and Deadwood, will be visiting FIDM’s LA Campus on Wednesday, February 16. FIDM Students can take part in a Q & A with the Emmy Award-winning designer and discuss the process behind her character-defining, refined retro styles. Janie will be speaking in the Annex, Third Floor Media Room, at 12:00 noon. Afterwards, she will be signing her book, The Fashion File: Advice, Tips and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men, in the foyer of the FIDM Museum Shop. A perfect lunchtime for Film & TV Costume Design Majors!
Instructor Kathleen Jaben's Marketing and Brand Development class at FIDM OC was recently treated to a visit from Harveys founder Dana Harvey and the company's marketing director Malia O'Brian. "I was so impressed by the company story, how Dana and his wife started by making one handbag in their garage on a whim, and it's turned into an international product," said student Megan Ilertsen. "I would aspire to have the same level of insight and passion for my product and brand that Harveys does."
On the same day, students also listened to The Age of Engage author and marketing strategist Denise Shiffman speak about social media. She spoke about more productive and positive ways that social media can effect one's life, including posting resumes and networking with professionals.
Photos by FIDM Student William Griffith
Learn more about Fashion Merchandising.
Her classmates probably didn't know until now, but FIDM student and famed rock climber Katie Brown has just released a book, "Girl on the Rocks: A Woman's Guide to Climbing With Strength, Grace, and Courage," published by Falcon Guides. Katie, who has been called "the Best Female Climber of the Millennium," is attending FIDM to learn design since she has a clothing sponsor and various endorsement deals. "I want to do clothes for climbing, yoga, general fitness," she tells the San Francisco Chronicle. You can read the entire story here.
Legendary graffiti and fine artist SABER spent the day at FIDM, painting, signing his new book Mad Society, and giving a lecture/slide show about his work and his (mis)adventures in graffiti art.
SABER's fine-art and graffiti works will remain in the FIDM Museum & Galleries for another week.
Read more about SABER on Fashion Club Daily. PLUS: Find out more about FIDM's Graphic Design Program.
Meet Share Ross, author of Punk Knits: 26 Hot New Designs for Anarchistic Souls and Independent Spirits, in the FIDM Museum Shop on the Los Angeles Campus tomorrow, Wednesday, August 15th. She'll be signing books from 11-11:30 a.m. A Q&A with Share will begin at noon.
