FIDM Magazine

Alumna is Styling Newest "Real Housewife of Orange County"

Stylist and FIDM Alumna Leslie Christen (pictured, left) is working with Heather Dubrow, the newest addition to the Real Housewives of Orange County, as a personal stylist.

“I was really pleased to find someone so great and easy to work with in Orange County as it was important for me to use someone local,” said Dubrow, who hired Christen for several events during Season 7 filming. “I would call Leslie and explain the look I wanted for a particular event and she would arrive at my home in the next day or two with a rack of options!”

Read the article on Greer's OC.

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.

Apparel Industry Management Grad is Lead Designer for Raven + Lily

Apparel Industry Management Grad Lori Fox (pictured, right) is the lead designer for Raven + Lily, an Austin-based company whose motto is "Empowering Women Through Design."

"I started out as a volunteer with Raven + Lily during my time at FIDM. My passions included design and humanitarian work so my purpose for going to FIDM was to see if these two things could come together," explains Lori, who recently moved back to her native Texas after a decade in L.A.

"I first learned of the issue of human trafficking while in Thailand in 2005, and was heartbroken by the issue and wanted to do whatever I could to help women get out of this situation and create jobs to keep them from being vulnerable."

Nick Verreos' Post-Golden Globes Coverage on NBC-LA

On Sunday night, FIDM Grad, Instructor, and fashion designer Nick Verreos appeared live in studio for a segment on NBC-LA Channel 4 discussing the Golden Globes' "hits" and "misses" of the night. Nick has a entire recap of the weekend (he also appeared in a pre-awards fashion segment and was back on air on Monday) on his blog.

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Paula Patton Wear FIDM Grad Lhuillier to Golden Globes

Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar chose a voluminous Monique Lhuillier blue and white tie dye gown with a structured bodice and full skirt to the 2012 Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night in Beverly Hills. She told reporters that her two year-old had a hand in picking out the winning look. Lhuillier, a graduate of the fashion school FIDM, has designed red-carpet and wedding gowns for many top celebs, include Angelina Jolie.

Mission Impossible star Paula Patton brightened up the red carpet in a strapless, ruched canary yellow fit and flare style gown from the designer, who is a Graduate of FIDM. Pre-show reports already favored Patton as one of the evening's best dressed.

Olivia Wilde Turns Heads in Gown by FIDM Alumna Monique Lhuillier

Actress Olivia Wilde attended the 2012 Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala last weekend in Monique Lhuillier. The beautiful black gown featured a lace back and criss-cross detailing.

Interior Design Alumnus's Work Featured on HGTV's "Celebrity Holiday Homes"

Ruben Marquez, a 2011 Graduate of FIDM's Interior Design Program, assisted designer Sandra Espinet in transforming the home of actress Alison Sweeney for a Hollywood glamour-themed Christmas for an episode of Celebrity Holiday Homes on HGTV. The new episode wll air on Sunday, December 18, 2011.

Ruben also worked on actress Eva LaRue's (pictured right, with Sandra) Santa's Workshop-themed home that aired last week and will re-run through Christmas.

Kevan Hall on Bravo's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

On tonight's episode of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Adrienne Maloof debuts her shoe line for Charles Jourdan with a fashion show from FIDM Grad Kevan Hall. The event, which benefitted the Step Up Women's Network, was held at her palatial home and filmed for the show, which has a cult-like following.

Alumna Marina Toybina is Costume Designer for X Factor

Alumna Marina Toybina has seen her creations on everyone from Britney Spears and Katy Perry to Pink and Miley Cyrus. She is currently the costume designer on X Factor, where she sometimes has only days to turn around up to 140 costumes.

What do you love about your job with X Factor?
I feel very honored to have this opportunity. To be surrounded by incredible talent and in the company with the best-of-the-best in this industry is truly a priceless experience. I get to create magic and visual art with my team every week. How could anyone, especially in my field, ask for anything more?

What have been some recent challenges and highlights?
The long hours and the faster-than-the-speed-of-light turn-arounds have been a bit hectic from time to time, but overall, every show is its own highlight. The dancers are incredible to work with, my team is my rock, the creative directions are artistically fulfilling, and the experience to create and recreate is simply beautiful. 

How did FIDM help prepare you for this fast-paced career? FIDM provided the fundamentals and the tools I needed to understand my own strengths and weakness. The discipline and dedication I experience on daily basis comes from my studies, hard work and the knowledge that I have acquired throughout the years.

What would you tell a student who dreams of being a successful costume designer?
Stay true to your vision, yourself, and your craft. Never stop growing, learning, and teaching. Learn from your mistakes and smile always while undergoing challenges and tough times. Art will always set you free.

 

Project Runway Season 9 Stars Visit FIDM

Contestants Joshua Christensen, Olivier Green, and Viktor Luna from Project Runway: Season 9 visited the FIDM Los Angeles campus recently. The contestants posed with FIDM Fashion Design Chairperson Dawn Marie Forsythe and FIDM Student Jade Thompson (top) and received a tour of the FIDM Museum & Galleries' FABULOUS exhibition (bottom). Don't miss the season finale of Project Runway this Thursday on Lifetime!