FIDM Magazine

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.

Fashion Event: Jewelry Designer Trunk Show in Santa Monica

Polthakorn Viboonviriyawong is a mouthful, but you can call this Thai-born Visual Communications Grad Joe. And you'll want to, when you see his spectacular hand-made, one-of-a-kind Vilaiwan collection of jewelry designs inspired by flowers and vintage pieces. His work, which is comprised of precious and semi-precious stones, beadwork, and 14 karat gold detailing, has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, In Style, and DailyCandy.com. View his collection at a trunk show on Friday, June 29th from 3-7 p.m. and on Saturday, June 30th from 11 a.m.-6 p.m in Santa Monica.  His art-to-wear is definitely a must-see! Click here for more details on the event.

Style Scoop Q&A: Erika Walton

FIDM Student Erika Walton is quite the double agent--When she's not busy earning her Fashion Design degree on FIDM's San Francisco Campus, she's running her burgeoning accessories line Alter Ego Jewelry, which has been featured in Women's Wear Daily and is sold to retailers worldwide. Find out what inspires Erika and get a sneak peek at her fabulous jewelery in our latest Style Scoop interrogation... er, interview. --Kim

Our Latest Accessory? A New Jewelry Design Program

Students in FIDM’s sparkling new Jewelry Design Program will learn how to design and produce finished jewelry through actual hands-on experience. Our Jewelry Design Studio, near FIDM's Los Angeles Campus, is located in the heart of one of the largest jewelry districts in the world. The program offers an opportunity to learn both the creative and manufacturing processes of jewelry-making from talented designers and other professionals. Included in the program are courses in general studies, creative design, training in technical skills, manufacturing methods, current technology, and gemology—everything a future Jewelry Designer will need to succeed in this multi-billion dollar industry!

Jewelry Designer Kim Hurlbert, owner of Timeless Gem Designs, is FIDM's consultant in the development of our new program. Read a Q&A with Kim here.  --Kim