FIDM Magazine

Interview with FIDM Fashion Design Student Jordan Crosby

Professional Designation FIDM Fashion Design student Jordan Crosby has an undergrad degree in Business Management and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa. A self-described midwesterner, he's "traveled to four continents and lived in five amazing areas in the last four years," including London. Find out how he chose FIDM for his next step in our latest interview.

Interview: 2nd Quarter Fashion Design Student Sandy Gonzalez

Abuel in the Golden Age founder Sandy Gonzalez is only 18, but she's already experienced the heady buzz that comes from designing and selling your own fashion line. The second quarter Fashion Design student shares her favorite sources for inspiration and reveals her future career plans in the latest FIDM FashionClub interview. Read the interview with Sandy!

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.

Opening Party: Couture Is the Star at FIDM’s Latest Fashion Exhibition

Couture gowns on display in the FIDM Museum & Galleries

James Bloomingdale and Wyatt Bloomingdale

Berry and Hayley Bloomingdale, Jane Bloomingdale-Cisneros 

James Galanos and Betsy Bloomingdale

Betsy Bloomingdale

Museum Co-Curators Christina Johnson and Kevin Jones

It was fitting that the FIDM Museum & Galleries launched their latest exhibition with a black tie event. The exhibition commemorates three decades of fashion design courtesy of socialite and style icon Betsy Bloomingdale. “High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture" features a stunning array of designer ensembles, from a feathered silk dress by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel to a lovely Christian Dior gown with hand-dyed silk organza petals.

A member of the Best Dressed List in 1964 and 1966 and inducted into the International Hall of Fame in 1970, Bloomingdale is the widow of Bloomingdale’s department store heir, Alfred S. Bloomingdale. A native of Beverly Hills, she is an internationally known socialite whose heralded collection of haute couture pieces has earned her universal respect in the fashion design industry. A friend of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Bloomingdale was an honored guest at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for a fashion exhibition entitled “Nancy Reagan: A First Lady’s Style.” She was also selected to honor well-known fashion designer James Galanos with the Rodeo Drive Style Award in 2007.

“High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture” celebrates the donation of over one hundred haute couture garments given to the FIDM Museum at FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising over the past thirty years. Featuring more than sixty fashionable ensembles, the exhibit showcases the creation of haute couture garments and presents a never-before-seen look into Bloomingdale’s personal life and style.  Other items on display include hand-drawn croquis, contemporary photographs, and magazine layouts illustrating garments ordered by Bloomingdale.

Costume designers featured in this remarkable exhibition include Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre for Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Balmain, Yves St. Laurent, Andre Courreges, James Galanos, Adolfo, Oscar de la Renta, and Valentino. Accompanying the exhibition is a catalog and video documentary, which includes interviews with Mrs. Bloomingdale, Hubert Givenchy, James Galanos, Oscar de la Renta, Adolfo, and Francois Lesage, among others. For more information, visit FIDM.edu.

Interview: Just Accepted FIDM Fashion Design Student Stef Tor

New FIDM Fashion Design Student Stef Tor has been a pro wakeskater and tried out for Project Runway 7. She'll begin her studies at FIDM Los Angeles in April of next year.

"I started thinking about my future beyond wakeskating and started getting back into fashion and designing my own clothing," explains Stef. Continue reading the interview to find out more.

Two FIDM Grads Featured at Downtown L.A. Fashion Week

As part of Downtown L.A. Fashion Week's Emerging Designers Showcase, two FIDM graduates -- Phong Hong and Fernanda Carneiro -- showcased their spring 2010 collections. The L.A. Times noted that Phong's Femme Noir collection was "primarily blush with delicate black accents such as bows and thin ribbon belts." Meanwhile Fernanda was "clearly feeling upbeat and optimistic, with sunny, floral fabrics and kicky day dresses." 

Read full coverage at Blog Downtown.

Fashion Design Grad Featured on the Big Screen in "Whip It"

Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, Whip It, about a group of female roller derby players features FIDM Fashion Design alumna Rachel Piplica, who recently launched Iron Doll clothing, specializing in custom uniforms for roller girls.

In the film, Rachel (who is a member of the L.A. Derby Dolls) skates alongside stars Ellen Page, Kristen Wiig, Eve, and Barrymore. By day, the Pennsylvania native is a production manager for Lucky 13 Apparel.

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.

FIDM Alumna Fernanda Carneiro Wins Design Competition

Brazilian native and Merchandise Product Development alumna Fernanda Carneiro worked in production and design for major fashion labels like BCBG before striking out on her own in 2008. Fernanda (above in pink) was recently announced as one of the winners of The Los Angeles Emerging Designer Competition presented by The City of LA, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and Downtown LA Fashion Week, where she will show her collection. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was on hand for the exciting announcement.

Photo via LookBookLA

FIDM Alumna Marina Toybina Inspires Juliette Lewis

Actress and rock star Juliette Lewis is know for her eclectic style. Between press, promotion, and live shows, Lewis realized she needed some help with all of those wardrobe changes. Enter Fashion Design grad Marina Toybina, who designs under GLAZA, to help her "up the ante visually." Lewis calls her "a visionary" who "manifests dreams."

You may read more about their collaboration at the L.A. Times.