Recent Fashion Design Alumna LaureJean Corideo is currently a Technical Designer/Production Coordinator for the New York City-based company DQM which specializes in contemporary menswear skate apparel. Her typical day might include sourcing fabrics and trim, creating tech packs, executing fittings, and coordinating production, and more. "Because it is such a small team here, I cover a lot of areas," she explains. "I also work closely with the Creative Director, so ti's a very hands-on process from beginning to end." 

LauraJean says that FIDM definitely contributed to her success: "The coursework gave me the knowledge, which was the most ipmortant foundation, but the dedicated faculty helped paint a more realistic picture." She also says that her Career Advisor Marco Antonio has helped when it comes to confidence and support. "Whenever I had let a doubt enter my mind, he gave me the extra boost of confidence, which helped me land this amazing opportunity," she adds. 

Seventeen year old, Andrew Michael Scott (Drew), is a graduating high school senior from Tehachapi, California. He will be heading to FIDM’s Los Angeles campus to begin Fashion Design classes in July. He already has a successful scrapbooking business, Scrappy Happiness, which was recently featured on the news. The California native has been creating online videos about scrapbooking since age 13, and offers classes online. Last year, Drew earned $130,000, which he invested back into his business.

"I think FIDM is the right school for me because it brings the business aspect into each major. Business is definitely one of my strongholds so having it intertwined with my major just seemed like a perfect match. I have talked to people who have been to FIDM and they have learned more than I ever expected to learn. After hearing their stories I feel everything I ever want and need to learn will be taught in such an amazing and inspirational environment."

Read the entire interview with Drew Scott on FIDM's FashionClub.com.

An Anaheim, California native, Krystine Henson (who goes by the name of Pickles) will be studying Fashion Design, starting on the Los Angeles campus in July. She has been making custom clothing for seven years.

Admissions Advisor: Marilyn Moore

Tell us a bit about yourself: I started designing and sewing prom dresses for my friends in high school, which led to more and more people asking me to sew garments. After graduating from high school at 16, I started taking classes for fashion design and started my own clothing company, Pickle This! Designs.

Tell us about your work in film costume design: I have currently had three fashion shows, the first two of which (Dark Circus and Chicago) were costume/film based. In addition, I manufacture many of the outfits for the actors at the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, as well as custom designing historical pirate outfits for Clan Darksail, the largest pirate group in Southern California. I also interned at Baron Hats, supplier of hats to the movie industry for over 80 years.

What are your proudest accomplishments so far? Having a fashion show at the L.A. Convention Center, having two of the hats I worked on for the movie Django Unchained appearing in the FIDM Museum & Galleries, and of course having founded my own company where I can support myself doing what I love—all before the age of 25.

What made FIDM right for you? FIDM is known worldwide for their graduates in the industry, and I want to finely tailor and hone my craft to be the very best.

Describe your entrance project: I put together a portfolio of my best work from the past 3 years, including images from Django Unchained, my fashion shows, and many examples of my custom work, including a few garments that hadn't yet been delivered to customers.

What are your career goals? I'd like to continue making custom clothing, but I would also like to start designing off-the-rack lines that are sold at major retailers.

What do you expect to learn at FIDM? Since I am primarily self-taught, I lack knowledge of computerized pattern drafting, some of the newer software programs, and what is currently the industry standards outside of the genres I currently work in. I want to gain both practical knowledge and real-world experience with my time at FIDM.

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.

Fashion Design Student Erica Williams designed a one-of-a-kind pair of crystal-encrusted heels for L.A. Clippers announcer Traci Buccholz (known to fans as Traci B.), who wore the custom shoes for a recent playoff game. "My Admissions Advisor Laura Gorham is a close friend of Traci's and I was honored when she said that she trusted me to represent her, Traci, and the Clippers," says Erica, who spent 12 hours on each shoe. "I was so lucky to watch the game from the 9th row at Staples Center! I couldn't keep my eyes off her feet the entire time; I was so overwhelmingly proud, I must have been beaming like a little kid on their birthday."

"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.

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.

Full Name: Monica Rose Bacon

Age: 17

Hometown: Santa Cruz, California

Year in School: Senior

FIDM Major: Fashion Design

Campus and Start Date: Los Angeles, July

Admissions Advisor: Laurie Wright

Tell us a bit about yourself. Basically all I do in my free time is sew and rock climb.

What are your proudest accomplishments so far? My biggest accomplishment is definitely my Etsy store. I've sold to 12 different countries and made 200 sales. If you look up "mustache dress" on Pinterest, mine is often on the first page. I'm competing with people who are much older and more experienced than I am and I'm doing pretty well! I'm really in love with it.

What made FIDM right for you? It is a bit hard to explain, but when I walked into the school, it just felt right. I felt like it was a place I could really let my passion take me somewhere.

Describe your entrance project. I wrote an essay and a drew a collection inspired by the song "Creep" by Radiohead. It was a super fun project.

What are your career goals? One day I want to have my own brick and mortar store.

What do you expect to learn at FIDM? I expect to improve my sewing and designing skills and learn how to create a career in fashion.

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."

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

Weekend one of the 2013 Coachella Music Festival came to an end of Sunday. Day 3 of the desert extravaganza was less flashy than Day 1 and 2. Plaids, vintage concert tees, and plenty of stripes were spotted, but overall, Sunday had a more subdued feel.

Joshua Jackson and Diane Druger (pictured above) kept it casual in dark denim and shorts. The actress and Karl Lagerfeld favorite accessorized with a stylish leopard bag.

Alexander Skarsgard went for shades of dark blue, classic Wayfarer frames, and white sneakers.

Austin Butler and Vanessa Hudgens (wearing a high slit tie-dye skirt) attended Armani Exchange's Neon Carnival on Saturday night and blended in with the crowd on Sunday.

Day 2 of Coachella brought out plenty of celebs, from Alexander Skarsgard, Robert Pattinson, and Kellan Lutz to Sophia Bush, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Roberts (pictured), and FIDM Student and actress Francesca Eastwood. Coachella fashion is all about the accessories this year: hats, eyewear, booties, jewelry, and bohemian-style bags. 

Kate Bosworth wore chic aviator sunglasses with a brown leather shoulder bag and coordinating ankle boots.

Model Alessandra Ambrosio also went boho with a wide brim brown hat, fringe bag, studded leather belt, and plenty of bangles.

At Harper's Bazaar's Coachella Friday night poolside soiree, Katy Perry was right on trend with a floral print belted tunic, black Wayfarers, and a straw hat.

Thousands of music lovers have descended upon the desert for the two-weekend music and arts festival, Coachella, in Indio, California. Known for its creative, boho fashion as much as its amazing lineup of bands (Day 1 featured shows from the Stone Roses, Blur, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Modest Mouse, Jurassic 5, Band of Horses, Beach House, and many others), Coachella is a place where trends are born.

From tie dye and short shorts to crop tops and prints, there was no shortage of funky fashion on Day 1. One of the biggest trends to emerge was the floral headpiece. There were fresh flowers bands (wilting in the 90-plus degree weather), DIY faux versions, and intricate woven crowns of flora and fauna.

Photos via the L.A. Times. 

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." 

FIDM Students Rajitha Prakruthi and Madeline Abshier recently exhibited their work in the fashion show "Echo," along with students from UC Berkeley. The designers each selected a piece from the Berkeley Art Museum's "Silence" exhibition to base their work on. Rajitha and Madeline were inspired by Mark Manders' "Silent Head on a Concrete Floor."

Read more in The Daily Californian.

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.

Fourth stop: The longest day of the tour kicked off with gift bags and a brand heritage film at Guess World Headquarters. Referred to as the “university” by denim industry insiders, our group seized upon the opportunity to tour Guess’ in house development and wash facilities. We asked manager Marco Gonzalez so many questions that we threatened to derail the schedule!

Men's Denim Designer and FIDM Grad Charles Sands was equally generous with his time. He took us through the design development process, shared his favorite sources for inspiration, and reflected traits that allowed him to ascend through the ranks so quickly. Additionally, Director of Operations Tracey Layana took time to greet our group, lavishing us with even more goodies and career advice in the process.  Finally, recruiter Rachael Hodnett invited to lunch at the Guess Cafe where there was no shortage of tantalizing options to choose from.

Fifth stop: Seven for All Mankind plant manager Ryan Swift (another FIDM Alum!) guided us on a tour of Seven’s recently established in-house testing, embroidery, cutting, sewing, and finishing facilities. For us product development enthusiasts, it was a really treat to see sewing machines and operations that we’d mostly only read about in books. Our visit concluded with Seven’s heritage video as well and interview and resume tips from parent company VF recruiters Regina Romero and Kirsten Johnson. Interested students were even given the chance to interview with a designer from sister company Ella Moss regarding summer internship opportunities.


Sixth stop: We arrived at Current Elliott late in the afternoon and were warmly greeted by Talent Acquisition Director Miranda Henein. VP of Production Khaled Debes spoke to us about the company’s origins and rapid growth, as well as the importance of quality control and vendor relationships (but would not divulge the secret of their impressive 100% on-time delivery record no matter how much we tried!)

Design Director and FIDM Alum Kelly Irvin then walked us through Current Elliott’s development process, highlighting sales and merchandising’s influence as well as the unique challenges of developing exclusive product for key retail partners. Kelly also shared her own career history, the importance of gaining experience through internships, and favorite inspiration sources.

We ended the day with a group banquet at Bottega Louie where dinner turned into a multi-course affair with a bite of something sweet at the end (a few even tucked their famous macarons into their purses for later enjoyment.)

-Ryan Mathis-Tien (FD '13)

Read about Day 1 here!

Never Underdressed, a startup fashion magazine out of the UK, is being touted as the first full-on glossy to bypass print and go directly to the web. Starting with a multi-million dollar investment and a staff of 14 including former Elle and Vogue digital editors, what sets this concept apart is the lack of a brand name—and the fact that all of its content will be freshly created for multiple electronic platforms including mobile.

As editor Carrie Tyler, former digital director of Elle UK explains to Fashionista: "Magazine brands save their best content for print, while their websites are given little budget or full time staff to fully develop creative, engaging and unique content."

Day One of the 2013 Denim Study Tour began shortly before 9:00 a.m. with Merchandise Product Development Chairperson Eva Gilbert, Co-Chair Estel Hahn, and 14 students (12 Merchandise Product Development, 1 Merchandise Marketing, and 1 Fashion Design) boarding our private tour bus.

First stop: California Wash House (pictured above) where industry vets and founders Paul de Jesus and Philip Shaheen treated us to a sneak peek at next season's washes before leading a tour of the facilities. We witnessed workers performing various processes such as as stone washing, industrial drying, sand blasting, pp spraying, 3D whiskers, tacking, and grinding.Our hosts also took great care to explain each step and graciously answered all of our denim-related questions. After a quick photo-op and the exchange of contact information, we expressed our gratitude and headed out.

A leisurely lunch at a local cafe gave us a chance to compare notes before heading to our second stop: Jolt Jeans by Kellwood. As recruiter Morgan Powers led us through the massive campus, we met several FIDM Alums, including the head of the Kellwood's textile art department, as well as Jolt's technical and associate designers. Jolt's senior denim designer spoke to us about his approach to selecting appropriate washes, pocket details, and fiber contents.

Then, brand president Caren Lettiere shared her time with us for a candid discussion regarding market trends, brand DNA, fabric, fit, tech packs, and key characteristics for a successful career. On the way out, Morgan gifted us with some Jolt product and gamely posed with us for a photo (pictured above).

Looking forward to Day Two!

-- Ryan Mathis-Tien (FD '13)

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

FIDM and JustFab are thrilled to announce the winners of the JustFab Dress Contest. Six FIDM Students were asked to design a dress inspired by a JustFab shoe. The creations were then voted on by fans of the JustFab Facebook Page.

First Place: Fashion Design Student Ashley Henderson (design pictured above)

Second Place: Fashion Design Student Carol Wong

Third Place/Fan Favoite: Merchandise Product Development Student Ria Daniels

Ashley will receive a $1,000 FIDM scholarship and an internship with JustFab!

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.

On

March 18, 2013, Fashion Week El Paseo 2013 hosted A Salute to Three Decades of Debut Graduates with a cocktail reception and fashion show that benefitted Junior League Palm Springs Desert Communities. Celebrating the work of more than three decades of Debut designers, the festive event featured Graduates Angela Avanesyan, Paul Hernandez, Karen Kane, Heathyr Lawrence, Clay Sadler, Nick Verreos, and Joe Vilaiwan.

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.

We're thrilled to present the first official photos from DEBUT 2013. The images included here feature designs from the runway collection of one of our 10 graduating Advanced Study DEBUT program students, Ahmad Murtaza. All 10 DEBUT Student presented their collections on the runway last weekend at FIDM's DEBUT Runway Show 2013, which was attended by over 1o,000 visitors, including industry notables, high school students from across the country, and friends and family of the designers. Watch this space for more DEBUT photos from the other 10 graduating students, as well as work by Theatre Costume Design, Interior Design, and Textile Design students in the coming days. 

FIDM Industry Partner JustFab recently asked FIDM Students to design an original dress inspired by select JustFab shoes. Now six FIDM Students are vying for the JustFab Dress Contest's Fan Favorite award and a $1,000 scholarship to FIDM!

You may vote once every 24 hours through March 25, 2013. The winner will be announced on March 26, 2013!

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

One of five specially selected FIDM Fashion Design Students, Angie Allison participated in Fashion Club's Pretty in Pink Prom Challenge, upcycling a dress she sourced from Goodwill into a prom dress. The challenge was to design it for Mila Kunis (as if she were the client), with style icon Elizabeth Taylor as her muse.

Tell us a little about yourself: I'm a local girl. I grew up in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, which is about 3 miles west of the LA FIDM Campus. I love animals, especially my black cat, Gerald. My favorite people/icons in the world are Lady Gaga (my number 1), Lana Del Rey, Jessica Lange, and Sharon Needles. My interest in fashion stems from my love of illustration, Kubrick, Hitchcock, art, and Halloween. I'm all about self-expression, so the ability to transcend my visions onto a physical manifestation is such a gift fashion design has given me.

Tell us a little about your experience in the prom dress design challenge for Fashion Club: I brought on board to the Pretty in Pink Prom Challenge by the designer of the Boho Princess look, Liz  Robles. It was a great experience where all the designers had meetings to discuss and critique each other's work. Individually, I had to source materials from the Fashion District that would enhance the original thrifted dress, rather than completely reconstruct it. I wanted to make it easy for people to see the dress's transition from point A to point B.

Where did you buy the thrifted dress? Miracle Mile Goodwill

What aspect of your design speaks to the fact that is was designed "for" Mila Kunis? Mila Kunis has the cool chick vibe going on, but she manages to keep a glamourous style that doesn't take away from her overall wicked appeal. My direct inspiration came from an Eli Saab dress she wore for the Moscow premiere of Friends with Benefits that featured embellished shoulder pieces.

How were you inspired by Elizabeth Taylor? Elizabeth Taylor has always been such an icon in my life since I was a child, thanks to countless hours of watching her movies with my grandma. She is a timeless beauty and I wanted to keep true to the fit and flare silhouette she favored. It was always about her and her beauty, which is why I went with the clean, classic silhouette. The color of the dress is also an homage to her famous violet eyes.

What was your favorite part about the whole experience? My favorite part was getting my work to be part of a photo shoot for the first time. It's like seeing your first child graduate, I'm guessing.

What’s your favorite class at FIDM so far? I can't choose just one, so I will have to say all the classes that fall under history (Survey of the Western Art, History of Costume, and American Political & Economic History). To me, fashion is innovation through renovation and restoration, so it's vital to take from the past and push it into the future. Even a class like American History, that's not as visually stimulating as art or costume, provides me with inspiration for design.

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? My dream is to be a costume designer and to be featured in FIDM Museum's Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition someday. FIDM has provided me with industry connections, 3rd year programs, a library of garments, excellent teachers, and a smashing library. They give me the tools, I just need to go out there and use them. After all, Star Wars is revving up for a sequel trilogy, and there is no way I'm letting myself not be a part of it.

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.

Full Name: Caity Swanger

Age: 16

Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota

Current Year in School: Junior

FIDM Major: Fashion Design

FIDM Campus and Start Date: Los Angeles campus, Fall of 2014

Admissions Advisor: Roxy DeGuzman

Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m a cheerleader and also in the UNICEF club and Science Outreach. I love to be with my friends and just hangout. I spend most of my time outside if the weather permits. I love fashion and learning about other countries fashion and culture. I also love to bake, and in fact I work in a bakery! My inspirations are Oscar de la Renta, Ellie Saab, and Erdem.

What are your proudest accomplishments so far? Of course getting accepted in to FIDM for college as a junior. I was also part of my competitive cheer squad that won three state championships and finished 6th in the country in the 2011 UPC national competition. Next year, I am also interning as an aid for my fashion design teacher during the school year. I can’t wait to help teach my fellow peers how to sew basic things and hopefully inspire more students to explore the realm of fashion.

What made FIDM right for you? FIDM is the right school for me because it specializes in fashion design and has more hands-on learning. There aren’t very many fashion schools in the Midwest. I talked to my fashion design teacher and she gave me a brochure on FIDM. After showing my parents and doing some research I knew that FIDM was the right school for me.

Describe your entrance project. For my entrance project I submitted seven formal dress designs, using colored pencil as my medium. I used a lot of beading, silk, and satin. Most of my designs use color. I love using color to emphasize personality and mood. For my inspiration page most of the pictures were from Oscar de la Renta's and Ellie Saab's 2012 and 2013 collections.

What are your career goals? Once I gain work experience, get comfortable in the industry, and focus my passion and designs, I hope to start my own line. Starting my own design label is my major goal once I graduate, and I cant wait to start designing and manufacturing my designs! I also want to help improve the world and with my success would like to be able to help out with charities such as UNICEF.

What do you expect to learn at FIDM? I expect to learn new techniques, design styles, and the proper methods to improve my designs. I also want to learn about fashion trends from around the world, how the fashion industry works, and establish relationships in the fashion industry that will allow me to obtain internships, and ultimately a job, working for a design label.

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.

On Friday night, FIDM Alumna and current Fashion Star contestant Johana Hernandez held a viewing party for around 120 people at TRU in Hollywood. Johana had plenty to celebrate -- she sold her chain detail ruffle hem tulip dress to Macy's for $55,000 in the premiere episode. The dress has already sold out.

Priscilla Barroso, another FIDM Graduate on the show, is currently selling her moonlight polka-dot romper at Macy's.

You may watch a short video of Johana's viewing party here.

FIDM Fashion Design Student Jarret Levin recently participated in Fashion Club's Pretty in Pink Prom Challenge, where he upcycled a thrift store gown into a prom dress. He was challenged to design for Blake Lively, with style icon Veronica Lake as his muse.

We sat down for a Q&A with the up-and-coming designer.

Tell us a little about yourself: I am from Overland Park, Kansas, where I had the opportunity to go to a technical center for two years of high school. I studied fashion design, which gave me insight into the industry in terms of design, patternmaking, and sewing. Outside of fashion design I enjoy traveling. There is so much culture to experience in the world, and it is interesting to see how it compares with my life.

Tell us a little about your experience in the prom dress design challenge for Fashion Club: I had a wonderful experience during the prom design challenge for Fashion Club. We were given creative freedom within certain parameters—we got to experience what it's like in the real world, having to adjust our designs to suit the client (Fashion Club). The process required shopping, designing, sewing, and fittings which gave excellent hands-on experience.

Where did you buy the original dress that you re-designed into "The Femme Fatale" prom dress: American Vintage on Melrose

What aspect of your design speaks to the fact that it was designed "for" Blake Lively: The bodice of the dress was really designed for Blake Lively because she typically wears body-hugging styles that show off her body in a sexy, sophisticated way.

How were you inspired by Veronica Lake: I was inspired by Veronica Lake because she oozed glamour. From the coif hair to the show stopping gowns. The gowns that she usually wore had large, full skirts with large trains which is where I gathered more inspiration and tried incorporating that element into my "Femme Fatale" design.

What was your favorite part about the whole experience: While I loved designing the dress, my favorite part was the photo shoot for many reasons. One, it was the first time that I got to see the whole look come together with the hair, makeup, accessories, and the dress. Also, the environment at the Just Fab studios with everyone from Fashion Club made for a fun day and an amazing photoshoot.

What's your favorite class at FIDM so far: It's a tie between Collection Development and Portfolio Presentation. Both allow you to put all your skills to use. In Collection Development we created a jacket, skirt, and pant, where we had most of the creative freedom throughout the process. Portfolio Presentation truly allowed me to express all my creativity because I got the opportunity to create a collection in any market, with any theme, where creative freedom is at its finest.

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there: My long term career goal is to create and own my own line, primarily in sportswear. I also have a passion for evening wear that I hope to bring to life in the future. The interim period between graduating and owning my line, I want to work for a designer or fashion house to gain experience and knowledge to prepare myself for owning my own line. FIDM has done an excellent job of helping me understand what sportswear is and what is successful and sellable in the industry. FIDM has also taught me the design process every step of the way from concept to construction, which is great when you are in the industry because it makes a well-rounded designer.

Love Culture Assistant Buyers and FIDM Alumni Tammie Jeon and Anne Kitagawa visited FIDM yesterday to speak with students in the Premier Merchandise Product Development Group. They gave an overview of what it's like to work as a Stylist and an Assistant Buyer for a big retailer such as Love Culture.

Tammie Jeon graduated with a Merchandise Product Development Degree in 2012, and started her career at Love Culture's downtown Los Angeles headquarters in Visual Merchandising. She soon transitioned into a position as a Stylist and an Assistant Buyer for the retail chain. She gave excellent insight into what hard work it is to be a stylist. She is responsible for hiring models, as well as styling each head-to-toe look for the site. They shoot 150 styles in a 6 1/2 hour time period, and they produce an average of 4 photo shoots a week.

Tammie said she learned a lot about how to best manage her time in the MPD program, which is a great skill to have for any career in fashion.

Anne Kitagawa, a 2011 FIDM Fashion Design Alumna, knew ever since she was a child that she wanted to attend FIDM. She started at Love Culture as an intern, and once her internship was finished, she was hired full-time to work in Visual Merchandising. After two years, she was brought onto the accessories department as an Assistant Buyer. Anne advised the students, "Internships really help, even if you're not getting paid. Jut getting the experience makes it worth it."

FIDM's Premier Merchandise Product Development Group has special access to guest speakers and networking opportunities throughout the year. Academically superior students qualify to join this exclusive group.

FIDM's FashionClub.com recently challenged FIDM Fashion Design Students to upcycle thrift store gowns into prom dresses, to feature this season's prom trends on FashionClub.com. The students who participated included: David Lee, Danica Ybanez, Angie Martinez, Jarret Levin, and Lizbeth Robles.

We sat down for a Q&A and with Fashion Club Art Director Harriet Grant:

Q: How did you come up with the idea for the story?
A: I am a huge Project Runway fan (Tim Gunn is my hero), so I thought it would be really fun to create a Project Runway-style prom challenge for our student designers. For the challenge itself, I was inspired by the 1980s classic movie Pretty In Pink; Molly Ringwald's
character is on a tight budget so she upcycles a vintage pink dress into a prom dress.

Q: What was your favorite thing about working with the fashion design students?
A: I loved everything about working with the students! Their energy, creativity, and enthusiasm was inspiring. They really had fun with the challenge and it was so exciting to see their designs become reality.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share?
A: I just love the idea of taking an old garment and giving it a new life. I thought all the designers did an excellent job transforming their vintage dresses into something fashion-forward and definitely prom-worthy.

"The Ingenue" prom look, inspired by Audrey Hepburn
Designer: FIDM Fashion Design Student David Lee
Model: FIDM Student Mariya Dondonyan

"The Class Act" prom look, inspired by Grace Kelly
Designer: FIDM Fashion Design Student Danica Ybanez
Model: Katie Jones

"The Bad Girl" prom look, inspired by Liz Taylor
Designer: FIDM Fashion Design Student Angie Martinez
Model: FIDM Interior Design Student Megan Moussamih

"The Femme Fatale" prom look, inspired by Veronica Lake
Designer: FIDM Fashion Design Student Jarret Levin
Model: FIDM Visual Communications Alumna Jordan Fox

"The Boho Princess" prom look, inspired by Lisa Bonet
Designer: FIDM Fashion Design Student Lizbeth Robles
Model: FIDM Merchandise Product Development Student Theresa Dunne-Watts

Through FIDM's industry connections, Fashion Club was invited to shoot at JustFab's  headquarters in El Segundo, where model and fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons is President and Creative Director.

For more images and to read the entire story, please visit FIDM's FashionClub.com.

Fashion designer and style journalist Lela Christine Thompson is heading up the new "Fab Five Lifestyle" style and beauty section of the Los Angeles Wave. The L.A. native, who is also a seasoned public relations and marketing executive, has been working in the industry since 1980, and will lead a team of fashion reporters. Congratulations Lela!

Fashion Design Student Dawn Nguyen, who designs women's ready-to-wear under the moniker Dawn Sunflower, recently showed her designs at the Royal Fashion Show Event in Orange County, in honor of breast cancer awareness. The event benefited Sentebale, the personal charity of Prince Harry of Wales, and the Pink Ribbon Crusade.

Dawn is heading to the U.K. next week to show her Fall 2013 collection at Birmingham International Fashion Week, which benefits UNICEF. She also recently showed at Fashion Week Las Vegas.

FIDM Grad Monique Lhuillier's new Madison Avenue boutique is featured in the "Critical Shopper" column this week in the New York Times.

"Like the redoubtable Vera Wang before her, Ms. Lhuillier has been expanding her empire to include evening and ready-to-wear. She seems poised to take on menswear as well, with decor that is all discreet chromes and grays, modern wall sculptures and decorative geodes that wouldn't be out of place in a CEO's office—far from the foofy boudoir trimmings one might expect." Read more.

Monique Lhuillier; 19 East 71 Street; 212.683.3332

photo credit: New York Times

Caption: Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, and Isla Fisher (at right, in Monique Lhuillier) at the Vanity Fair Oscar party

Stars dazzled in gowns by FIDM Alumna Monique Lhuillier on Oscar night, both on the red carpet and at the after parties. Kate Beckinsale make a statement in a strapless black gown with an abstract design and full 1950s-style skirt at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Sunset Tower. At the same event, Isla Fisher and Ginnifer Goodwin stepped out in royal blue confections (Fisher’s curve-hugging strapless gown had glamorous train, while Goodwin chose a short and sparkly pearlized shell design cocktail dress). Louise Roe, the new host of NBC’s Fashion Star, also donned Lhuillier on the Oscar red carpet. She chose a stunning nude and coral embroidered tulle gown with a full skirt. 



FIDM Graduate Alfred Tumblin will be showing his designs at Brooklyn Fashion Weekend. The weekend of fashion events and shows will feature emerging designers who will be paying tribute to iconic fashion designers. Alfred's Fall/Winter 2013 collection will pay homage to Alexander McQueen on March 3, 2013. 

You may purchase tickets here. 

The Oscars® came to FIDM to recently to film a six-episode web series, Oscars Fashion Face/Off, featuring Nick Verreos and three superstar FIDM Fashion Design Grads: Kevan Hall, Heathyr Lawrence, and Dominique Pearl David. Each day this week, Oscars.com will release one of the episodes (see the schedule, below).

In each episode, Nick interviews the designer and showcases their work and inspiration sketches for what the Best Actress nominees and host should wear on the day of the big show this Sunday. "My favorite part of the process was seeing the sketches," says Nick. "I’m a sketcher and I’ve been drawing since I was two, so that was a highlight for me." Each day, fans will be urged to go to the official Academy Awards Facebook Page to vote for their favorite sketches for each actress. The designer with the most sketches will be interviewed on the red carpet the day of the Academy Awards! 

"The Oscars are the crème de la crème of the red carpet award shows," says Nick, an alumnus and popular instructor at FIDM. "I love seeing one-of-a-kind haute couture, essentially pieces of art, on an actress." Here is the schedule of episodes for  Oscars Fashion Face/Off. Be sure to vote on the official Academy Awards Facebook Page: 

February 19 - Jessica Chastain Episode, Jennifer Lawrence Episode

February 20 - Emmanuelle Riva Episode

February 21 - Quvenzhane' Wallis Episode

February 22 - Naomi Watts Episode

February 23 - Host Seth McFarlane Episode

We recently told you about FIDM Alumna Priscilla Barroso, who will be competing on season 2 of NBC's Fashion Star. We are thrilled to announce that fellow Grad Johana Hernandez, a Los Angeles-based designer, will join Priscilla in competing for a multi-million dollar prize of launching a clothing line in Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Express.

Fashion Star will premiere on March 8, 2013, featuring 13 talented designers who join celebrity mentors Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson, and John Varvatos along with new host Louise Roe.

Check out our interview with Johana from 2010.

New York City-based Fashion Design Alumna Emily Cummings was recently promoted to Technical Designer in the accessories department at Aeropostale. "I now work on three categories: dorm, yoga, and active," explains Emily. "This new position is very exciting as it's 90 percent fashion driven. I am working with new fabrics, trim, and styles that will challenge me in new ways." She previously worked as an Associate Technical Designer in the boys category and worked in women's knits.

After graduating from FIDM, Emily had internships at Maximum Mama Maternity and Jin Wang in San Francisco, and moved to New York to work for Lauren Moffatt where she was hired as as Pattern Maker. "FIDM lays out a solid foundation for its students that helps prepare them for their chosen profession," she adds. "The classes complimented each other and each quarter built on the last, which allowed us to apply what we learned in past classes to current ones."

Designer Shaun Samon's Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 menswear collection is featured on GQ's UK site. Prior to becoming a popular fixture on the London Fashion Week scene, he received three degrees at FIDM: Fashion Design, International Manufacturing & Product Development, and Advanced Fashion Design. Like Shaun, you can build on different degree programs at FIDM to create your own educational path. 

Shelbie Nicholson

Major: Fashion Design

Where did you go to school before FIDM?

Chantilly H.S., in Virginia

How did you find out about FIDM?

I took an advanced fashion design program in high school and loved it. Then my dad and I visited FIDM and we knew it was the right fashion college. I wanted to be in California for the entertainment industry. Ultimately, I want to work on TV and film costume design.

What do you like about the program?

Now I’m learning the hands-on skills that were missing. There is so much to learn here: knitwear, costume design. Plus it is the perfect location for my industry.