FIDM Magazine

Alumna is Styling Newest "Real Housewife of Orange County"

Stylist and FIDM Alumna Leslie Christen (pictured, left) is working with Heather Dubrow, the newest addition to the Real Housewives of Orange County, as a personal stylist.

“I was really pleased to find someone so great and easy to work with in Orange County as it was important for me to use someone local,” said Dubrow, who hired Christen for several events during Season 7 filming. “I would call Leslie and explain the look I wanted for a particular event and she would arrive at my home in the next day or two with a rack of options!”

Read the article on Greer's OC.

Alumna is Contestant on NBC's Fashion Star

Lisa Vian Hunter, a Graduate of FIDM's Fashion Design Program, is a contestant on NBC's new competition show, Fashion Star, which starts airing in March. The weekly show will feature 14 designers participating in tasks where they will be mentored by Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos. At the end of each episode, American will have the chance to purchase the winning designs that week at Macys, H&M, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Elle Macpherson is the host and executive producer.

Lisa, who lives in Mercer Island, Washington, is a women's wear designer, mother of two, and lover of all things vintage. She says that women are desperate for gorgeous, affordable clothing made in the USA, and that is what she intends to give them. She is competing for the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch her collection at America's largest retailers. Lisa's designs are inspired by the past and are sold at her store in Seattle. Learn more about Vian Hunter House of Fashion.

Keep up with Lisa on Twitter @lisavianhunter

Nick Verreos' Post-Golden Globes Coverage on NBC-LA

On Sunday night, FIDM Grad, Instructor, and fashion designer Nick Verreos appeared live in studio for a segment on NBC-LA Channel 4 discussing the Golden Globes' "hits" and "misses" of the night. Nick has a entire recap of the weekend (he also appeared in a pre-awards fashion segment and was back on air on Monday) on his blog.

Alumna Nominated for Costume Designer's Guild Awards

FIDM Alumna Jill Ohanneson, who has worked on shows such as Dexter, Lie to Mie, and Six Feet Under, is nominated for Outstanding Contemporary Television Series at the 14th annual Costume Designer's Guild Awards  for her work as the costume designer on Revenge.

The awards are set for Feburary 21, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Good luck to Jill!

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Paula Patton Wear FIDM Grad Lhuillier to Golden Globes

Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar chose a voluminous Monique Lhuillier blue and white tie dye gown with a structured bodice and full skirt to the 2012 Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night in Beverly Hills. She told reporters that her two year-old had a hand in picking out the winning look. Lhuillier, a graduate of the fashion school FIDM, has designed red-carpet and wedding gowns for many top celebs, include Angelina Jolie.

Mission Impossible star Paula Patton brightened up the red carpet in a strapless, ruched canary yellow fit and flare style gown from the designer, who is a Graduate of FIDM. Pre-show reports already favored Patton as one of the evening's best dressed.

FIDM Alumna Wins Big on "Wheel of Fortune"

Susan Chappelle (née Bieterman), a Graduate of FIDM, was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune on Monday night. The Miami Beach, Florida resident, who is a freelance makeup artist, is a huge fan of the show and has been watching for nearly 30 years.

Susan won $18,200 in cash and prizes and hopes to use her winnings to go on a cruise. "It was surreal!" she exclaims. "I still can't believe that it wasn't a dream. One of the best parts of the whole experience is how excited other people were that I was going to be on the show."

Interior Design Alumnus's Work Featured on HGTV's "Celebrity Holiday Homes"

Ruben Marquez, a 2011 Graduate of FIDM's Interior Design Program, assisted designer Sandra Espinet in transforming the home of actress Alison Sweeney for a Hollywood glamour-themed Christmas for an episode of Celebrity Holiday Homes on HGTV. The new episode wll air on Sunday, December 18, 2011.

Ruben also worked on actress Eva LaRue's (pictured right, with Sandra) Santa's Workshop-themed home that aired last week and will re-run through Christmas.

Shirry Dolgin Competing on HGTV's Design Wars

Interior Design Alumna Shirry Dolgin is competing on the new HGTV show, Design Wars, where she'll battle it out against two other top designers for a chance to redesign a problem space for a family. The series debuts on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 1pm and will continue through 2012.

Kevan Hall on Bravo's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

On tonight's episode of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Adrienne Maloof debuts her shoe line for Charles Jourdan with a fashion show from FIDM Grad Kevan Hall. The event, which benefitted the Step Up Women's Network, was held at her palatial home and filmed for the show, which has a cult-like following.

Alumna Marina Toybina is Costume Designer for X Factor

Alumna Marina Toybina has seen her creations on everyone from Britney Spears and Katy Perry to Pink and Miley Cyrus. She is currently the costume designer on X Factor, where she sometimes has only days to turn around up to 140 costumes.

What do you love about your job with X Factor?
I feel very honored to have this opportunity. To be surrounded by incredible talent and in the company with the best-of-the-best in this industry is truly a priceless experience. I get to create magic and visual art with my team every week. How could anyone, especially in my field, ask for anything more?

What have been some recent challenges and highlights?
The long hours and the faster-than-the-speed-of-light turn-arounds have been a bit hectic from time to time, but overall, every show is its own highlight. The dancers are incredible to work with, my team is my rock, the creative directions are artistically fulfilling, and the experience to create and recreate is simply beautiful. 

How did FIDM help prepare you for this fast-paced career? FIDM provided the fundamentals and the tools I needed to understand my own strengths and weakness. The discipline and dedication I experience on daily basis comes from my studies, hard work and the knowledge that I have acquired throughout the years.

What would you tell a student who dreams of being a successful costume designer?
Stay true to your vision, yourself, and your craft. Never stop growing, learning, and teaching. Learn from your mistakes and smile always while undergoing challenges and tough times. Art will always set you free.