FIDM Magazine

Visit from Mod’Art International's Director of Fashion Design

Professor Xavier Chaumette

FIDM Students were treated to a fascinating lecture and Q&A session from expert Xavier Chaumette, Co-Director of Fashion Design at Mod'Art International in Paris. He gave an overview of the history of fashion from 18th century to contemporary times with a focus on the evolving role of women in society and its impact on clothing. (Did you know, for instance, that Coco Chanel introduced the first jackets for women that had pockets?)

"Xavier has collaborated with FIDM for over 20 years on special projects and serves as a guide during FIDM's Study Tours to Paris, providing insight into the history of the city as well as where--and where not--to shop," explains FIDM's International Director Lanie Denslow. Xavier is also the author of The History of the Women’s Suit and Textiles for a Century of Fashion and a contributing editor to the International Dictionary of Fashion Design.

Teen Vogue Editor Visits FIDM

 

FIDM Students were recently treated to a book signing and Q&A session with Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Amy Astley, who gave advice on overcoming obstacles in the industry and shared some juicy details on the early beginnings of the inspiring fashion mag before signing copies of The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion. 

Graphic Design and Digital Media Grads Reunite in L.A.

A record 90 grads turned out for the recent Graphic Design and Digital Media Alumni Event at the Target Terrace at The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while catching up with one another. "Since graduating, I took the top design students in my class and started a small design firm made up of all FIDM students," said new alum Matthew Mau of Undefeated Creative. "What we learned in school is being applied in the real world, so if a client comes to us with a project, we'll sit down and go through the creative process just like we did in school."

Torrid's House of Dreams Event at FIDM

Torrid, the wildly popular plus size retailer, recently held their House of Dreams Model Search event On the Park at FIDM Los Angeles. The seven lucky winners came to L.A. from all over the U.S for a VIP experience that culminated with a runway event that featured Torrid fashions and couture dresses from FIDM Fashion Design students. 

 

Through October 10, fashion fans may bid on these dresses with the proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. You can learn more about the FIDM designed "Power of Pink" dresses on the Fashion Club blog. "We were so impressed by the work that the FIDM students did and thank them for their hard work and dedication on this project," said Torrid president Chris Daniel.

Graphic Design Students' Complete CANStruction

FIDM's anticipated CANstruction stiletto shoe is now on view between Harry Winston and Macy's at South Coast Plaza through September 27 during normal plaza hours. On September 13, join FIDM team members for a gala event from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at South Coast Plaza. There will be food, wine, live music, and exclusive raffles. You may purchase tickets here. Congrats to all involved!

FIDM Receives Two Awards for the Forever Fashionable Beach House

Orange County's HomeAid, a community based organization that builds and renovates housing across the entire homeless continuum of care spectrum, held its 18th Annual Project Playhouse, featuring scaled down houses designed by local talent. W Custom Homes, Hove Design Alliance, Lifescapes, Ransom Group, and FIDM teamed up to design the Forever Fashionable Beach House, which features vintage Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring, Venetian plaster walls, and a convertible playroom for children. The beach house won two awards, The Imagination Award and the The Grand Award - Second Place. Congrats to all involved! You can read more about the project and team here.

Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Grads Reunite in L.A.

Last week, Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Grads and industry pros from companies like Smashbox Cosmetics, gathered at the Mondrian Hotel's chic ADCB bar in West Hollywood for cocktails, passed appetizers, and plenty of catching up. "I'm so excited that there are so many people here," said new Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Director Julianne Pfister. "We all stick together and help each other out even if we work for different companies."

The third annual FIDM Beauty Alumni Reunion was a smashing success for all who attended. "The networking at these events is great and I love hearing who's doing what," said Marisol Arias '06 who owns High Drama Accessories. "It's great meeting other alumni even if I didn't graduate with them." Sexy Hair Communications Assistant Lindsay Mundell '07 added: "Seeing all of my peers helps me get motivated and remember how much I love this industry."

Event Coverage: Alumni Interior Design Panel

 

 

 

The latest FIDM Alumni Association panel shone the spotlight on Interior Design. The event, held at Look Gallery in the L.A. Mart, featured panel guests Hagy Belzberg of Belzberg Architects and FIDM Grads Meg Joannides, Heather Gallagher, Nicole Federico-Martinez, and Alison K. Pollack. Attending were FIDM Students and Grads eager to discuss such topics as eco-friendly design and ideas for surviving and flourishing in today's challenging economic environment. Following the panel and Q&A, panelists and guests were able to mingle for one-on-one networking. 

Trend Analyst & Fashion Expert Tom Julian Visits FIDM

FIDM Students, Faculty, and Staff had the opportunity to hear from fashion insider and author Tom Julian when he visited the Los Angeles campus to sign copies of his book Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style. 

Visual Communications Grads Enjoy Their First Mixer

More than 100 FIDM Grads and industry folks gathered at The Target Terrace at The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live for the first Visual Communications Alumni Mixer with special guest hosts from Saks Fifth Avenue. "It's exciting because it's bringing everybody back together," said Director of Visual Communications and Career Development Advisor Cynthia Patino. "It's so beautiful up here and we've got two alums who work for the Grammy Museum." Attendees enjoyed tasty fare from Wolfgang Puck Catering and cocktails while taking in the stunning views of Downtown.

Photos by Brian Sanderson