FIDM Magazine

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.

Just Accepted! San Francisco Student: Christina Nguyen

New FIDM Fashion Design Student Christina Nguyen will begin her studies on the San Francisco Campus in Summer 2010. Read our interview on FIDM's FashionClub Blog to find out more about this student and hear all about her plans for the future!

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."

FIDM Visual Communications Students Team Up With Men's Line life/after/denim

L.A.-based menswear label life/after/denim and FIDM Visual Communications students from the Visual Presentation class teamed up for a window project for the brand's Beverly Boulevard showroom space. Four teams of students came up with different concepts to pitch to life/after/denim's design team and the winning winning design is currently being installed at the LAD showroom.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with FIDM on our Fall '09 window design," says LAD creative director Alexis Frey. "The students are vibrant, energetic, and innovative. They bring a fresh perspective and are led by a true professional in the industry, Ken Donham." The label, focused on fit, quality, function, and wearable design, will debut this fall at Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, and Planet Blue.

FIDM San Diego Featured on The Cool Hunter

The Cool Hunter, a popular website that combs the global for all things cool, recently featured a story on FIDM San Diego. With a focus on FIDM's bold use of color, functional spaces, and visual interest, the site features several photos and design details of the Clive Wilkinson-designed campus.

FIDM OC Update on CANstruction Project

Back in June, we told you about the charitable competition, CANstruction, which benefits the OC Food Bank. FIDM Graphic Design students at the Orange County campus are constructing the high heel shoe and here's a sneak peek at the progress!

Please contribute pink Bumble Bee tuna cans, red Tyson chicken cans, and/or cash donations to Student Activities on any FIDM campus. You can join the students for an all-nighter on September 4 to construct the stiletto at South Coast Plaza!

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