FIDM Magazine

Just Accepted Merchandise Marketing Student is a World-Class Gymnast

Full Name: Liselle Kitchens

Age: 19

Hometown: San Ramon, CA

FIDM Major: Merchandise Marketing

FIDM Campus and Start Date: San Francisco, Spring; Los Angeles, Fall.

Admissions Advisor: Gina Garcia

Tell us a bit about yourself. I am a very enthusiastic individual who truly loves the fashion industry. As a shopping addict, I'm a sucker for a cute pair of shoes. I am always a hard worker with a positive attitude and strive for my goals. For the past 11 years of my life, Acrobatic Gymnastics has been my passion. I have dedicated most of my life to this sport and I am very excited to close that door and open a new one at FIDM.

What are your proudest accomplishments so far? I've been competing in Acrobatic Gymnastics, nationally and internationally, for 11 years. At an elite level, I placed 8th at the 2010 World Age Group Championships in Poland. I have also competed in Russia, Great Britain, and Switzerland. All have these competitions and travels have given me amazing memories and accomplishments. Getting into FIDM was also an amazing accomplishment.

What made FIDM right for you? FIDM just felt "right!" It is the perfect place to push myself in the right direction and toward the fashion industry. I knew during my first visit that FIDM would bring out my creativity and give me the knowledge to succeed in my career.

Describe your entrance project. Originally, I thought I wanted to major in Visual Communications. For my window display project, I put together outfits for a winter-themed Urban Outfitters. For my indoor display, I showed off a coat from Express. And for my circle, square, triangle project, I put together this collage of Jeffery Campbell Lita boots of all the different patterns and colors the shoe comes in. When I went in for my acceptance interview, my projects reflected my product-driven charisma. So, I then decided to switch to Merchandise Marketing.

What are your career goals? I want to be a fashion buyer for a well-known company or even a personal shopper. I am a shopping addict and would love to get paid to do it.

What do you expect to learn at FIDM? I expect to learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry. With my major being Merchandise Marketing, I am excited to learn about my love for the "product" and take steps toward my career. I am excited to be learning from such a prestigious school with teachers who actively work in the industry.

Follow Liselle on Twitter @LiselleK

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.