FIDM Magazine

FIDM Alumna Alison Matilla Gets "Lost" with Her Latest Gig

Set Decorator Alison Matilla, who received a Visual Communications Professional Designation Degree and then completed the Advanced Study Program of Entertainment Set Design and Decoration, recently transformed a Subway into a broken down, overgrown building with dinosaurs and props from the film, Land of the Lost. "This job was great because it combined both design and marketing avenues together with Subway and the film," says Alison, who had the chance to see the creators of Land of the Lost, Sid and Marty Kroft. "Working in the film industry for the last two years I have had the opportunity of meeting loads of talented people."

Learn about Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising at FIDM.

Interview with Visual Communications Alumna Meg Lewis

Visual Communications Alumna Meg Lewis has a successful vintage online store, Vintage 1918, that sells one-of-a-kind pieces for men and women. You can read about Meg's exciting path from FIDM to entrepreneurship by clicking here!

Visual Communications Alumna Featured For Her Work With Banana Republic

Visual Communications Alumna Quenby Go, who studied at the San Francisco campus, was mentioned in a BusinessMirror article for her role in helping Banana Republic execute its fashion-meets-music "Rhythms of Spring" concept. Quenby, who is the lead visual merchandiser at Banana Republic's San Mateo, California store, discusses her roles and responsibilities at the Bay Area store.

Window Display Showcases Work by Product Development Students

The adorable displays above feature work by Merchandise Product Development Students who completed the Apparel Process II course on FIDM's San Francisco Campus.  The course teaches students the basic principles of garment construction and fit--necessary skills for success in the product development field.

The display concept, "La Maison de FIDM," is that of a harried servant waiting while his young ingenue tries on several dresses before making her final selection. The concept was developed and executed by students in the Visual Communications Program.

Just Graduated: FIDM Grad Jana Garvin Takes on Manhattan

After graduating from FIDM's Visual Communications Professional Designation Program in June, Jana Garvin headed to New York City to find her dream job. Over the next few weeks on FIDM's Fashion Club Daily, we'll chronicle Jana's job search and get regular updates on her real-life adventures. Click here for the first episode of Life After FIDM: The Jana Garvin Chronicles. --Kim

Style Scoop Interview: Denise Shaw and Adrian Borrego

We recently tracked down a talented couple who met while attending FIDM. Denise Shaw is a Wardrobe Stylist for E! Entertainment and her husband Adrian Borrego is the Brand Manager for Larok and Elizabeth & James (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's label). Adrian reveals, "We met in a Marketing class and I pretended my car broke down so I asked I could carpool with her." Find out what inspires them and get a look at their typical work day in our our latest Fashion Club Daily Style Scoop Interview. --Kim

FIDM Grad Is Set Decorator for New ABC T.V. Show

Halina Siwolop he Set Decorator for ABC's romantic comedy series Pushing Daisies. The FIDM Grad is also working on the feature film Hanging Out, Hooking Up, Falling In Love, starring Carrie Ann Moss, Janeane Garofalo, and Jenna Elfman. For specialized study in Set Decoration and other related skills, students turn to FIDM's Advanced Study Program in Visual Communications. --Kim

Window Shopping: What's On Display This Holiday

FIDM San Francisco's Visual Communications Coordinator Nancy Cresta talked to The San Francisco Chronicle about the surprisingly streamlined holiday window displays at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney's, and Neiman Marcus. "Midcentury modern is modern again," Cresta tell the Chronicle. "Window dressers have to be aware of current modes of style if they are doing their job well," she says. "They are the eyes of the store." Read the story to find out more about this year's window display trends. --Kim

She Can Do MAGIC!

FIDM Visual Communications Grad and Freelance Fashion Stylist Melinda Tarbell worked with Junior brand Privacy Wear styling their Spring and Summer 2008 advertising photography. Next she'll be headed to MAGIC, the annual Fashion and Apparel Trade Show held annually in Las Vegas, to design and install Privacy Wear's booth windows, merchandise the floor, and coordinate their spring/summer fashion shows! Writes Melinda, ''I am very excited and wanted to pass along the news of how all of my skills learned at FIDM continue to help my career to grow.'' --Kim

FIDM Students Intern at Trendy L.A. Boutique

Students in our Visual Communications Program learn the art of retail display through internships with Lisa Kline Stores, a favorite of Hollywood celebs and stylists! 

“Retail display windows are works of art designed to tell a story and capture the interest of the customer,” explains Visual Designer Nancy Kline, who also shows interns how to find and make props, budget for displays, and work with store personnel. Find out more about this exciting collaboration here. --Kim