FIDM Magazine

Just Accepted Merchandise Marketing Student Co-Owns OC Boutique

Just Accepted Merchandise Marketing Student Kailee Hardy is only 17, but she already co-owns The Dress Exchange, a prom and pageant consignment boutique, with her mom. She hopes to pursue a career as a buyer and wouldn't mind being a future Miss America.

"Ever since my freshman year of high school, I knew that I was going to have a career in an industry that expressed creativity. I excelled in my art classes and instantly found my niche. I love that FIDM not only has a pretty pink interior, but that they are so accepting of your background and understand that the fashion industry is for anyone who has an eye for it. Another quality that sets FIDM apart from any other school is that there is nothing else like it! It really is the Harvard of fashion and is a perfect fit for me!"

Read the entire story on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog.

Merchandise Marketing Alumna Has Handmade Cocktail Dress Line

Mariana Aguirre, a Merchandise Marketing Alumna has launched Agua Dulce, a line of handmade cocktail wear. Inspired by "timeless femininity," Mariana features applique embellishments, ornate beadwork, and whimsical details.

Find Agua Dulce on Facebook.

Wednesday FIDM Student Spotlight

Ashleigh Bakken

Major: Merchandise Marketing

Where did you go to school? North Hardin HS, Hardin, Kentucky

Why did you choose FIDM? I studied art at a university for a year and one of my teachers recommended FIDM. It’s a great location, with great people.

What do you love about your major? I like that it mixes business and fashion.

FIDM Street Style: Photographer's Weekly Fave!

Though it's close to the last day of winter classes before the break, Olivia, a Merchandise Marketing major, looks fashionably ready for finals!

Wednesday FIDM Student Spotlight

Stacy Yu

Major: Merchandise Marketing

Where did you go to school? I graduated UC Santa Cruz and worked as a paralegal. When I changed my plan and committed to being a retail buyer, a friend in San Francisco recommended FIDM’s Professional Designation program.

Why FIDM? You have to know people in the industry and FIDM has a great network. They know everyone. I came to LA to finish the program because I want to internship at bebe.

What do you love about your major? The program is very hands-on. For instance, the Excel skills I’m learning in class are exactly what I use at my internship.

FIDM Street Style: Photographer's Weekly Fave!

Ashleigh, a Merchandise Marketing major, grooves to school '70s style in her flare jeans and aviators!

See more Street Style on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog!

Wednesday FIDM Student Spotlight

Kelly Zepeda

Major: Merchandise Marketing

Where did you go to school? Huntington Park HS, LA

Why did you choose FIDM? FIDM is the place to be for fashion in LA. It’s the go-to school.

What do you love about your major? I like the business side. I want to be involved with the fashion industry.

Just Accepted Merchandise Marketing Student Wants to Own a Department Store

Just Accepted Merchandise Marketing Student Mariya Dondonyan has a serious passion for fashion and hopes to one day open her own department store.

"Fashion brings me the most happiness; reading about it in magazines, watching fashion shows, and most of all wearing beautiful clothes truly make my day better. Fashion is a big part of my life and I cannot go a day without reading an article on style.com, or watching the latest collections from my favorite designers who include: Karl Lagerfeld, Elie Saab, Bill Gaytten, Yves Saint Laurent, Marchesa, and Rachel Zoe.

The best part about watching these shows is that I have learned what styles I like and fit my personality best and watching the collections is where I draw my inspiration and how I incorporate it into my closet and everyday wardrobe."

Read the entire interview on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog.

Just Accepted Merchandise Marketing Student Wants to Become a Buyer

UC Irvine Alumna Grace Chung has always had a passion for fashion and travel so she chose to study Merchandise Marketing at FIDM in hopes of becoming a buyer for top fashion company.

"I'd have to say that my proudest moments included times where I set my mind and heart to accomplish something, and I did just that!"

Read the entire interview on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog.

FIDM Alumna is Miss California 2011

Since Alyssa Campanella was crowned Miss USA 2011, FIDM Student and first runner up Katherine Blair has been crowned the new Miss California USA 2011. The 23 year-old and will serve the term until Miss California USA 2012 be crowned.

Katherine is a graduate of the Merchandise Marketing Program at FIDM.