FIDM Magazine

Grad Completes Internship with Tarina Tarantino, Launches Jewelry Line

FIDM Alumna Francesca Keesee (pictured with Tarino Tarantino) is a graduate of the Graphic Design and Jewelry Design programs. She won the Warner Bros' 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz Jewelry Design Contest, interned for Tarina Tarantino, and recently launched her own jewelry line. Read an interview with Francesca and see photos of her new jewelry line on FIDM's FashionClub Daily blog.

Kat Von D Wears FIDM Alumna Courtney McEntire's Jewelry

FIDM alumna Courtney McEntire sent tattooed superstar Kat Von D some samples from her Trash and Treasures (T.N.T.) line. Much to Courtney's surprise, Kat donned a feather necklace on L.A. Ink and to the 2009 Teen Choice Awards.

"Kat recently dyed her hair platinum blonde and uploaded new pictures on her website and lo and behold there was my necklace!" Courtney exclaims. "Your first bit of press is always the most thrilling and I'm stoked that she loved them!"

Interview with Merchandise Product Development Grad Maria Ewing

Check out our Style Scoop Interview with Merchandise Product Development grad and jewelry designer Maria Ewing, who is the owner of L.A.-based Locketship.

FIDM Alumna Chan Luu Designs for Garnet Hill

Fashion Design Alumna Chan Luu has had great success selling her beautiful jewelry with Garnet Hill and now there is an ethereal dress collection available as well.

You can read more about Chan's exciting collaboration with Garnet Hill here.

Tarina Tarantino at FIDM Museum Store

In addition to the fabulous opening of the "Ruby Slipper Collection" and "Inspirations of Oz" Exhibition, the FIDM Museum & Galleries will be featuring an exclusive line of jewelry by Tarina Tarantino. Here is a sneak peek of some pieces featured in the store. You can also buy Tarantino's jewelry online at the fidmmuseumshop.com. The Exhibition will be open to the public beginning Wednesday, June 10th.

 

FIDM Alumnae Launch a Jewelry and Accessories Line

FIDM Graduates Nathalie Jamar and Dena Blankmeyer have come together to launch d.LAINE, a jewelry and accessory line that incorporates materials from years gone by. Their mission is to "make green beautiful, to find new life in the old, to connect creators of every kind, to generate honest, innovative, works of art that stand for beauty and nature." Their well-priced line features necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and bandeaus.

FIDM Grad Chan Luu Profiled on Good Morning America

Good Morning America interviewed FIDM Grad Chan Luu about out how she became a jewelry and accessory designer to the stars. Watch the interview to find out which mega celebrity helped make her designs so popular. --Kim

Eco-Friendly Grads Help Make Green the New Black

The eco-friendly Green Movement is in full swing and FIDM Alumni are doing their part to contribute to the health of our planet. In June, Interior Design and International Manufacturing & Product Development Grad James Saavedra, who was a designer on the second season of TLC's Clean Sweep and writes the Décor Fellow blog, and his partner Kelly LaPlante launched JAK a new Art Deco- and Hollywood Regency-inspired handcrafted furnishings line with an environmentally sustainable twist.

"Our motivation is that when we took a look at the existing green furniture available to designers we recognized there was something missing," says James. "I believe it is imperative, now more than ever, for us to take a good hard look at our habits and how they are effecting the world in which we live."

One of the first FIDM Graduates to work in the green industry, Alison K. Pollack, started Earth Friendly Interior Design the same year she graduated, with a goal of creating a healthier environment by using alternative materials. (Pictured at right, one of Alison Pollack's interiors.)

“For the first time there is a connection being made between planet sustainability, health issues with chemical overload, and climate change,” says Alison, who also designs Suite Baby, an organic nursery line. “The amazing sense of gratification that the contribution I made, no matter how great or small, preserves something greater than myself.”

Other FIDM Alumni are also making waves in the movement. Fashion Design Grad Karen Kananen founded Raw Earth & Wild Sky, a sustainable style company that features handmade clothing. Based in L.A., the eco-friendly label uses 100% organic cotton and low impact dyes.

Fellow Fashion Design Alumni and friends Rebecca Eliason and Debra Weaver launched Re-Dewin, a line of recycled vintage clothing, this year. (Pictured at left, a vintage look from Re-Dewin.) And this year, Product Development Graduate Tika Shenghur ‘04 launched Teek Design Studios, a line of creative and contemporary green stationery.

Style Scoop Q&A: Virginia TSE

FIDM Fashion Design Grad Virginia Tse is the co-owner of Our Pink Meadow, a jewelry, handbag, and accessories line featuring lovingly created organic and recycled items. Get the goods on her eco-friendly favorites and find out what inspires this natural beauty in FashionClub Daily's latest Style Scoop Q&A! --Kim

Fashion Club Daily Q&A: Jenna Daunais Works for Bling Diva Tarina Tarantino

Recent FIDM Merchandise Marketing Grad Jenna Daunais just snared a job working for the fuschia-haired Queen of Bling, Tarina Tarantino.

Tarina's sparkly eye-candy is a favorite of celebs and stylists--for instance, indie princess Avril Lavigne loves this Punk Rock Tiara. Jenna shares about her favorite designers and ultimate shopping destination in the latest Fashion Club Daily interview.