Sweater weather is here. Time to bundle up. And that goes for your purse, coffee cup, and headband, too!
Oscar Mimosa is in town. (And by town, I mean online.) They're an Australian-based eco-friendly luxury yoga line. Their first collection came out in September. And they've just launched their e-commerce site.
Store windows and interior displays play a huge role in the shopping experience and FIDM alumna Jana Garvin keeps things exciting as the Display Artist for Forever 21 in New York City! We caught up with Jana to talk about the industry, her creative process, and where she's headed.
Grad year: 2008
Major: Visual Communications
Campus: Los Angeles
How did you get your big break into the industry?
I moved to New York City in the fall of 2008, to pursue a career in publishing. I found out quickly that editorial was extremely political and had limited creativity so I began my own business called Curb Appeal where I did window displays for small boutiques. I found that through that medium I could express the creativity that I had initially wanted to in the world of publishing. Then through my work at Curb Appeal I was referred to Forever 21 to be their full time NYC Display Artist.
What do you love about your current job?
I love the creative freedom that I have with my job. I thrive on working with the current trends and creating a display that makes the clothing have an impact on the customer.
What have been some of your favorite displays and windows so far?
I just started this fall and immediately began working on the holiday installation that is just being installed now. I’m really looking forward to the windows for Resort 2010.
How do the displays actually come about?
Currently, I work off the theme that the visual design team in Los Angeles decides on. It is my job to take that theme and design the windows for NYC. I will use some of the props that they make and I will create a lot of other ones specifically for the NYC stores.
What is your creative process?
I'm looking for inspiration and doing research on what the theme really means. I will go to the library, read magazines, look on the internet at sites like style.com to see the latest trends, and even walk around the city to gather inspiration. Then I draw up my ideas, travel to Los Angeles to work with the production team who actually make the props/set, and then when it arrives in NYC I work with builders to install it, tweaking it here and there along the way and always overcoming obstacles.
What is a typical day like?
Most days I start work in the stores at 7 AM because I need to get as much done before they open. When the stores get busy I do research, work on my designs, and buy supplies throughout the afternoon. Every few weeks I travel to Los Angeles to work in the corporate office and in the warehouse to produce all of my displays. Sometimes I work overnights because that allows me at least 12 hours of an empty store so that I can do my larger installations.
What do you think it takes to be successful?
I have been told that it is my enthusiasm that has taken me to the level that I am at today. I LOVE what I do and I think that if your passionate about something you automatically work very hard at it and are then you are bound to succeed.
How did you find out about FIDM?
I went to USC for my undergraduate degree and they are in the same neck of the woods, so it was word of mouth. I had always wanted to get my masters or something comparable and a Professional Designation in Visual Communications seemed right for me. Going to FIDM was the best thing I ever did - it gave my the confidence and skills to succeed.
What did you love about your program?
I loved the teachers and the people I met throughout my program. I took classes that made me learn a lot about myself and what I was good at and what I was not. It really broadened my horizons and made way for many opportunities.
What are your future design goals?
There is a blog called anothernormal.com in which a photographer goes around professionally photographing all of the best windows in NYC. My goal is to create a window design for the Forever 21 windows that will get recognized on his blog! I idolize designers like Linda Fargo at Bergdorfs and Simon Doonan at Barneys for their unique and amazing displays and I strive to create windows of that echelon yet be defined by my own unique style.
The 3rd Year Fair was a chance for FIDM Alumni, who went on further their education, to come back and talk about their experiences and what is expected of you in this advanced curriculum. The fair in general was themed “FIDM Airways," complete with luggage tags that were stamped as you went to different tables to be entered into a raffle, and even Kristen Chocek (Student Activities Coordinator) dressed as a flight attendant handing out snacks and drinks!
I was delighted to see a rather large turn out, though it made squeezing to the front of crowds to listen to speakers and check out sample projects a tad difficult, haha. My favorite spot was the FIDM Study Tours area. I would absolutely LOVE to go on the European study tour. My heart was literally fluttering as I looked at the schedule of events, trying to visualize myself experiencing the culture first hand, (I have never been out of the country). Unfortunately, at the moment, it would be near impossible for me to go due to financial situations, even though I believe it would be worth every penny. Maybe some day!
I think the 3rd Year Fair was a great success and a lot of fun. It certainly had me considering going into it; I think participating in the DEBUT show would be positively exquisite! :)
Michelle
Michelle is a Student at FIDM and she blogs about her experience on FIDM.edu. You can read her blog here.
Hearts hung in the balance this week, as the pressure of escalating tensions made for an explosive week on the Upper East Side. As relationships ended, others never began in this week's all-new episode of Gossip Girl.
In the wake of last week's intimate encounter, Dan Humphrey, Olivia Burke, and Vanessa Abrams struggle to overcome a new and overwhelming sense of awkwardness. Despite Dan's emphatic denials to friend Nate Archibald, the tension in the air is palpable as Vanessa and Olivia struggle to win the attention of their lovable Lonely Boy. With Vanessa and Dan's annual Morrissey concert on the horizon, a forgotten event plays a key role as Blair Waldorf, in her quest to join the "in" crowd of actors on the NYU campus, reminds Olivia of the group's upcoming cabaret party. Occurring on the same date as Vanessa and Dan's concert, the event draws an interested Olivia, as she sets her sights on winning the evening with Lonely Boy.
As an aspiring writer, Dan embraces the event, as he learns that it offers the opportunity to write and also perform in his very own production. Hopeful of earning future admission into NYU's prestigious program for playwrights, Dan pins his goals on currying favor with the school's influential actors and actresses. While Olivia informs Vanessa of Dan's change of plans, Vanessa is shocked as a conversation with Dan brings Olivia's manipulations to light. Eager to put Olivia in her place, Vanessa ultimately uses Dan's trust to not only convince him to work with her on the script, but also to let her direct the entire production. A Lady Gaga-inspired musical rendition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the script casts Dan as the Prince, Blair as the Evil Queen, and Olivia as Snow White.
Angered by Vanessa's sudden participation, Olivia's jealousy explodes as accusations of inappropriate behavior erupt between the former friends. Accusing Vanessa of harboring feelings for Dan, the pair face off in a war of words that lead both of them to storm off. Overhearing the details of the trio's recent encounter, Blair uses the information to blackmail the feuding friends into returning, but is frustrated yet again as a conflict between Olivia and Dan mid-way through the performance triggers yet another dramatic exit by the actress.
With Vanessa forced to assume the role of Snow White, Dan closes out the production with a climactic kiss. Discovering Olivia soon after, Dan is stunned as she claims that her departure was merely a means of reconnecting him to Vanessa. While it appears Dan is indeed enamored with with his long-time friend, the pair are shocked as Vanessa fails to return the feelings, and even casually admits to having another potential boyfriend in the works. Surprised, Dan is nevertheless grateful for the evening's outcome, as his successful performance leads the influential members of NYU's drama department to offer to help him with his application to the college's program for playwrights. Olivia also seems optimistic, as she decides once and for all to take a temporary leave of absence from NYU to film another movie. Blair, meanwhile, uses her connections to entertain the audience at the cabaret party with a Lady Gaga concert.
Serena van der Woodsen struggles against temptation this week, as she valiantly works to overcome her attraction to Congressman-elect, Tripp Van Der Bilt. With Blair still angry over a perceived slight last week, Serena seeks out Nate Archibald to prevent her from turning to Tripp. While the pair reconnect over a few drinks, Tripp is stunned as Nate's mother informs him of his wife Maureen's election-day deceit. Turning to Nate, Tripp runs into Serena, and with his marriage in shambles, the pair share an explosive kiss.
Chuck Bass, meanwhile, invites an ambassador and his son to stay at his vaunted Empire Hotel. Determined to make a good impression, Chuck offers to show the ambassador's son, Damien, around the city, and even includes Jenny Humphrey to help show him a good time. To Little J's surprise, though, there is more to Damien than meets the eye, and she discovers that he is, in fact, a high-class drug dealer. Attracted to her classy, new, bad-boy, Jenny accompanies Damien to another deal, but is caught as Chuck quickly catches onto his scheme. While Chuck ultimately kicks the ambassador and his son out of the Empire, Jenny's connection to Damien remains as she goes behind Chuck's back with plans to meet him again.
Gossip Girl returns in two weeks, as the Upper East Side celebrates with a special Thanksgiving episode entitled, "Treasures of Serena Madre." This holiday season, look forward to the dramatic climax involving Tripp and Serena, as well as a shocking pregnancy.
To find out what happens, stay tuned and stay fashionable,
--Alaythia
"We're Rocking Stilettos...!"
These matching Divas work it! From the heels and the destroyed denim to the rockin' shirts--plus the fabulous FIDM totes!
"Biz" Abreu, left and "Hill" Gremp, right are both Visual Communications students!
Scooter: What's your take on Fashion?
Biz: Fashion is more like a feeling. I don't have a specific style. I dress according to my mood or how I feel that day.
Scooter: What about you, Hill?
Hill: "Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are" by Quentin Crisp.
"Diamonds On My Neck...!"
Kyle Javier (Fashion Design) is wearing a fantastic necklace with a glamorous fur coat, black v-neck shirt, black leggings...
...and dressy boots!
Scooter: Do you have any fashion tips or rules that you live by?
Kyle: When you look good, you feel good.
All Dressed Up!
"Chi" Li (Visual Communications) is wearing a lively dress with a twist!
The back of this sensational dress has fringe on it!
Chi carries all her goodies in this elegant Chanel bag!
Check out these shoes! They tie the whole look together!
Be on the prowwwl for this designer's treats! (All under $100 dollars!)
Black and White Charlotte Dress ($66) from the amazing Pat Field!
Diet Coke/ Coke small bag ($34)
I'm a Carrie Tee ($48) Yes I am! ;D
Brass Nuckle Heels ($74)
Adventure!
Hey my peeps! How was everyone's weekend!? Mine was awesome! Last week the weather was soooo beautiful that Hallie and I cruised along the coast!
Let's see how this week turns out! :D --Scooter, FIDM Visual Communications Student
Sparrow earrings, owl necklaces, peacock hairpieces -- for the past few years, birds have dominated fashion.
But lately we're seeing other creatures crawling out of the woods and making their way to the catwalk. Wolves, bears, stags, rabbits, squirrels. It's as if our favorite fairy tales are coming alive.
Jimmy Choo's exclusive collaboration with H&M hits stores tomorrow, November 14! They expect a crowd, so click here to find out how to shop. The first 160 people in line will get a bracelet that identifies a specific time for shopping in a designated area. The bracelets are only needed for the women's shoes, bags, and accessories.
The collection has lots of crystals, studs, animal prints, and accent colors like red and blue. How can you not fall in love.
And now for a sampling of what to expect!
Braided metal, plaited chain, and woven materials of all kinds are showing up everywhere this season. Basket weave accessories are carrying the most weight. Love this look!
1. Green beanie, $9.95, Bonfire, tactics.com
2. Gold peeptoes, $44.95, Michael Antonio, endless.com
3. Belt, $8.80, Forever 21, forever21.com
4. Gold bangle, $19.99, onestopplus.com
5. Black clutch, $37, baghaus.com
Paul Frank Pop Quiz:
