FIDM Student Blog: Hallie Fisher

Just another reason to NEVER MISS CLASS

The San Francisco campus was buzzing this week!

          The Career Center has developed a rapidly revolving door since it added some additional signs around campus promoting the Student Job Leads Newsletter.  We have also started a new a service to help tailor job searches for individual students who come in to pick up the newsletter.  I hope all of you FIDM students who are involved in, or considering a job search, visit suite 606 to check out this new service.  We also have chocolate in the candy bowl if you just want to say hi!

            This week’s campus highlight was without a doubt my Applied Technology class, which was selected to attend a great presentation from Stylesite about the projected mega-trends for spring/summer, 2012.  Stylesite's trend director for the West Coast, Lindsay Wong, explained in detail about the major trends her service is predicting and how to navigate their vast website to find critical information to use for class. Her talk gave tremendous insight into trend research & development.  In case you were wondering, the trends don't just come from the clouds, they stem from the interconnected web of art, music, film and various other cultural phenomena.  Some of the things she directed our attention to in particular included the runway roadmap page and blog,  http://www.stylesightings.com/.  If you are a student in need of inspiration, these are great places to start your research. Her presentation discussed how Stylesite’s network of correspondents stretches across continents and hemispheres, spanning the latest and most interesting trends.

Ms. Wong presenting the mega trends for 2012

It was a packed house in 501, taken with my hipstamatic camera

        I can safely say that the majority of students in the room were dying to know how she got her position. For those of you interested in trend forecasting, Lindsay's career might make you a more than a little envious.  After receiving her masters in fashion design from the Italian school Marangoni, she networked her way into a job taking pictures of fashion shows, front row and backstage, in Milan. From there she went on to collaborate with trend services from Next Trim to Cosmopolitan.  Her best advice to us was to take part in all industry opportunities presented to us and of course, always be professional.  Her presentation was inspirational toward creatinges the trend boards I have due for next week.  This lecture is just one example of how upper the level classes of Product Development program continue to “raise the bar.”

Study Tip: The ideal study break is speedy & tranquill

One of the best parts to about living in Marin County and the Bay Area in general, is the proximity to the ocean.

Last week I decided to take advantage of this.  I took the a break from homework to watch the sunset from the Headlands (a Federal park land on the North side of The Golden Gate Bridge).  This gem is only 15 minutes from my house and has spectacular one-of-a-kind vantage points. In my opinion, this is the best spot to watch the sun go down, there is a sensation of being on the edge of the continent.  A quick and exhilirating study break is the best way to refresh your attention span for long school days that blend into late nights.  No matter where you are, there is sure to be an easy getaway, here are two of my favorites.

Me and the last of the sun.

The one-way road with the view of where the grand Golden Gate meets the magnificent Pacific. Taken with my trusty hipstamatic app.

View of the moon rising over the East Bay on the drive back home.

I would also like to share with you some of the greatest views I get to enjoy on my commute from the ferry on a daily basis to and from work.  I must say, this is one of the  most picturesque ways to get to school.  After a long hard day of exams, computer screens and dress forms this is my 35 minute ride across the bay to my home.

Epic sunset seen from the top deck of the Larkspur ferry

The sunrise seen leaving form Larkspur; the combination of this view and Lappert's coffee served on the ferry, make taking the early boat enjoyable. Taken with my Hipstamatic app.

Waterfront and Port of San Francisco with the added sparkel of Christmas lights on the skyline. Taken from the top deck of the ferry with my Hipstamatic app.

I feel infinitely grateful for the privelege to live in such a sublime metropolitain oaisis.  Having my eyes on these views on a daily basis keeps me balanced.  I advise all students to take a little time to enjoy some fresh air.  With internships, mid-tems, public transportation, work and the craziness of life, I encourage FIDM students to take a little time to find inspiration in the area that surrounds us. The sunrise and sunset happen each day and decorate the sky with the arrival and departure of the sun.  Viewing these events are sure to improve your day and give you a moment to contemplate your creativity.

 

Homework ramblings and interesting finds

Classes for winter quarter began last week, bringing with it an explosion of homework.

Inevitably I have already spent many hours researching and encountered some interesting materials, manufacturing techniques, designs, upcycling, high-tech textiles and much more during my ramblings.  I am constantly looking for inspiration for my designs, here are some ideas that inspire me.  These are great products and I would love to see more of them in stores.  It is these innovative ideas that make me excited to enter the industry.

I encountered zero waste patterns, an exciting find, especially for those who are lazy because you can buy them. They are great inspiration for technical designers. The conscious design of these garments are a marker's dream!  These garments can be cut with very minimal waste yet create fresh designs.

The umbrella that gives back.  A lot To Say is selling an umbrella that is 100% recycled plastic polyester.  Made from a dry process, this fabric is made from trash found on the streets of Jakarta, Indonesia.  Not only does this umbrella keep you dry, a portion of the sales go back to providing clean water to the citizens of this city.  How is that for guilt free purchasing? Baggu. Never mind the redundancy, I love the idea of having a bag in my bag! Whenever there is a need to transport any unexpected items, no problem! For the eco-friendly shopper who is forgetful this idea will prove itself in the checkout line at the grocery store.  Tip: if you use your own bag at Trader Joes you get to enter a weekly raffle for free groceries, these baggu definitely increase you chances.Another form of upcycling plastic is these translucent accessories.  Thee broaches below put fast fashion's disposablity to shame.  These are elegant and show have no resemblance to the trash and plastic bottles used to construct them. Furthermore, they speak to the light and airy spring weather that I am longing for right about now. High-tech textiles that do much more than cloth you, the eliminate toxic waste.  Using carbon filter technology, this new textile breaks down toxins and can protect you from bio warfare among many of its uses. To this end, it can also purify air, for those of you who with a fear of germs and a dislike of doctors' mask a dress made out of this fabric is your solution.  For the rest of us we can be grateful for the good this textile does the environment.  Read more here!  Genevieve Mateyko and Pamela Troyer have also created a garment that purifies air. Using different technology, a system of wires and sensors keeps things illuminated and exciting. Would you feel better about your clothing if it generated pure air or did more than just keep you warm?  When will we see these technologies in stores?  "Detectair" may need a product developer's touch before this happens,  none-the-less, this is an innovative garment.The first weeks of the quarter have been exciting and filled with new and familiar faces and as you have read lots of homework.  When I am designing I try consider more than just the aesthetic of the garment.  Above are great examples of wats to give products added value by considering more than style lines, silhouettes and colors. Happy researching to all you students and remember, when designing, beauty is only skin deep.

MARITIME MAVEN

  2011 rang in some exciting news for San Francisco with the announcement that the city will be the host of the next America's Cup in 2013.  Before that, spring 2012, the oh so chic Louis Vuitton Cup will be held here in the beautiful Golden Gate.

I simply can not wait for this event to begin. The San Francisco Bay is a spectacular location for a world class  race like ths.  Infact as I type, I am on the ferryboat crossing between Larkspur (in the North bay) and the port of San Francisco.  There is plenty of time to get together the best yachting outfits and learn some key sailing terms to throw around. These two sailing races will bring with them a projected $1.4 billion that will be injected into the economy, providing big opportunities for businesses and of course a revival of the city's waterfront.  For retailers this means nautical is the key trend starting in spring 2012.  Maritime mavens will be docking at the Embarcadero waring their finest boating attire.  I have taken the liberty to point out a few key items together that will ensure weather you view the races on a boat, yacht club, a the Marin Headlands or from the piers you will be in style.

1. Nautical hoops to make any outfit festive

2. A compass locket to take you through the 7 seas

3. Chic sailor dress

4. The perfect sailing ensamble

5. Sun hat umbrella to provide protection form the elements

6. The most durable handbag, made from recycled kevlar sails

7. Island pants, preferably cropped and white

8. Boat shoes, these come in stylish patterns and flashy patent leather

9. Sailor knot bracelet to anchor your outfit

I will be spending the next year seeking out friends with yachts that parallell Larry Ellison's, I can just see myself sunning on the bow.