FIDM Magazine

FIDM Receives Top Honors as Military Friendly School

G.I. Jobs announced today the release of its 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools®, featuring FIDM. "The list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universitites, and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s service members and veterans as students," reads the press release.

FIDM Student Jason Tenorio knew he wanted to do something art-related after the Marines. This fall, he starts FIDM's Fashion Design program. Read an interview with Jason.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Stars Dressed by FIDM Alumna Melis Kuris for the Worldwide Premiere!

 

Los Angeles – On Thursday, June 24, 2010, the premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse will take place in Los Angeles and FIDM Alumna Melis Kuris will be dressing stars Peter Facinelli, Charlie Bewley, and Chaske Spencer. “The excitement of putting a look together for a client and then seeing the photos a few hours later is the instant gratification I constantly experience,” says the Los Angeles-based stylist.

Melis, who styles celebrities for music videos, editorial shoots, commercials, and the red carpet, has worked with Will Ferrell, Avril Lavigne, Anna Paquin, and Lily Collins, among others. "I love being a stylist because everyday is different and you are constantly working with new celebrities, photographers, and producers," explains the fashion college graduate. "Networking is key, but so is dedication and patience."

Melis says that the first Twilight film was one of her biggest career challenges. She was asked to style 10 of the main cast members (including Taylor Lautner, Kellan Lutz, Ashley Green, and Nikki Reed) for all of their press and the premiere. "My house had over 25 racks of clothes and close to 300 pairs of shoes," she remembers. "That job was really what shifted my career to the next gear and seeing all of them on the red carpet together was such a highlight for me."

She says that certain FIDM classes such as Textile Science, and Trend Forecasting, History of Costume Design allowed her to be one step ahead in the styling world. “I remember one of my first shoots the photographer wanted to shoot three girls with a very Victorian-inspired look,” she explains. “If I hadn’t had my old projects and books to reference back to it might not have turned out so well.” Melis says that networking is key to success, but that dedication and patience are equally important. “The more you put yourself out there the easier it is to get the next job,” she adds.

FIDM Fashion College Graduates Show Off Their Creativity On Their Graduation Caps!

The traditional black cap and gown got a major makeover at FIDM’s 2010 Graduation! The new graduates decorated their mortar boards with plenty of personality for an exciting ceremony at STAPLES Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

From messages such as “As Promised” and “Peace love fashion” to a Hello Kitty appliqué or a flurry of feathers, FIDM’s newest graduates took their inventiveness to new heights. “This is something you wouldn’t see at other colleges,” explained FIDM Admissions Director Susan Aronson. “It’s a great example of how FIDM has such great creative energy.”

The creative caps added humor and whimsy to an emotional day for families. For some graduates, their college degree is the first in the family. Others, like Brianna Davis, are legacy students. Her father Henry Davis, who was in attendance, was a Fashion Design Grad from 1978.

Merchandise Product Development Grad Martianna Arnold’s mortar board was customized by her current boss, FIDM Alumna Fawn Arthur. “The inspiration is from one of her quilted bathing suit designs,” explained Martianna, who currently interns at Sea & Sun Swimwear, the licensee for True Religion and Ed Hardy. “Hopefully I’ll be getting a job there next month!”

To see some of the creative cap designs worn by FIDM 2010 Graduates, visit the Graduation Mortar Board Flickr set.

Alice in Wonderland Exhibition Arrives at FIDM Los Angeles!

Los Angeles – Alice in Wonderland arrives at FIDM’s Museum & Galleries for a one-of-a-kind exhibition featuring Colleen Atwood’s creative costumes as well as sketches, accessories, and Alice-related collaborations from designers such as Sue Wong and Tom Binn.

On view will be a number of Alice looks worn by Mia Wasikowska in Tim Burton’s film, along with Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter “fighter” costume, and the Red Queen’s show-stopping gown, which Helena Bonham Carter wore on the big screen.

The free exhibition is on display at the FIDM Museum & Galleries from May 27, 2010 through September 30, 2010.

Students at the fashion college were also asked to design Alice-inspired pieces, under the supervision of FIDM fashion mentor and instructor Nick Verreos, and they will also be on display.

FIDM Press Release: The 16th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design

Only Place In The World

THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL “ART OF MOTION PICTURE COSTUME DESIGN”

An Exhibition Celebrating 2007 Costumes For Film Including The Work Of Oscar® Nominated and Winning Designers

Monday, January 28th - Saturday, April 12th, 2008: FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Los Angeles, California--Monday, January 28, 2008--The FIDM Museum & Galleries in downtown Los Angeles, California will open their 16th annual exhibition saluting “THE ART OF MOTION PICTURE COSTUME DESIGN.” Located on the campus of FIDM/The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, the exhibition closes April 12th, 2008.

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This annual, free to the public, major exhibition is the only one of its kind in the world. It pays homage to the creativity of the costume designer for film with a museum show of outstanding costumes and Oscar® nominated designs. On view will be over 125 actual costumes from 25 outstanding 2007 motion pictures, including costumes from films nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Costume Design.

In keeping with the museum’s tradition, visitors will see costumes saluting last year’s Oscar® winner for Best Costume Design, "Marie Antoinette." Costume Designer Milena Canonero created the costumes for this film and not only won the Academy Award® for this motion picture, but for “Chariots of Fire,”  and “Barry Lyndon” as well. She has also been nominated for the Oscar® for five additional films.       

Exhibition Information: Including Group Tour Times
Opens to Public:  Monday, January 28, 2008, ends Saturday, April 12, 2008             
Gallery Hours: 10-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (Closed Sunday)
Closed:  Easter Weekend, March 21 through March 23
Admission: Free
Location: The FIDM Museum & Galleries On The Park, 1st Level
FIDM/The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, 919 S. Grand Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Corner of Grand Avenue & 9th Street)
Parking:  Under college building.  Entrance on 9th Street or in surrounding lots    
Tours: For groups of 10 to 25 people. If more than 25 people, group will be split into two consecutive time slots. Tours are one hour: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 and 11 AM, 12, 2 and 3 PM. To schedule tours please call:  213-624-1200 X 3367
Public Information: 213-624-1200,  Ext. 2224

A Bit of Exhibition History
For the past sixteen years, the FIDM Museum & Galleries have honored the incredible work of costume designers in the film industry through this groundbreaking exhibition. With the help of the Costume Designers Guild, we salute the skill, dedication, and talent of those artists we showcase in the exhibition that draws thousands of visitors annually. We are proud of our association with the creative people who produce magic for the film industry and salute their efforts and triumphs.

Media Contact:
Shirley Wilson
213-624-1200 ext. 2625 or
323-655-9915
Email: swilson@fidm.com