FIDM Grad Makes a Splash With Her New Clothing Line!

FIDM Fashion Design Grad Jen Wilder has worked for Forever 21 and Laundry by Shelli Segal. Now her new line Bryce & Bouji is available at one of L.A.'s hottest shopping destinations, Fred Segal. So what’s life like through the eyes of this successful Fashion Designer? Here is what Jen had to say:

What is the URL to your web site?
www.bryceandbouji.com

What are your favorite web sites?
www.wgsn.com, www.style.com, www.dailycandy.com, www.promostyl.com

What are your top sources of inspiration?
www.wgsn.com, www.style.com, Vogue Magazine and Italian Vogue

What is a typical workday like for you?
Everyday is different, but mostly it is filled with sketching, sourcing fabric, shopping for trends, developing and researching new conceptual designs. My hours also vary depending on the workload.

What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
Getting into Fred Segal with my first collection. I also worked for corporations such as: Forever 21 and helping them launch their 12X12 line and Laundry by Shelli Segal where I was the embellishment designer.

What are some of the biggest challenges launching your own line?
Getting publicity in the media. I have a PR firm that works for me and they get me exposure in magazines. Also, overcoming my own fears of taking chances and putting myself out there and overcoming the tendency to take things personally can also be a problem.

Do you have a style icon?
I know it sounds funny but for my personal style, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen! As far as the style icons for my line, I would definitely say Reese Witherspoon and Chloe Sevigny.

What do you love most about your career?
The fact that I love what I do everyday and I have total creative freedom.

Describe or profile your fantasy customer:

Well, I actually have two. The first ideal customer is a creative professional, very trend driven and prides themselves in being fashion forward. My second ideal customer is a sophisticated and feminine but causal girl who is independent and takes risks with her style.

What is the one skill you couldn’t do your job without?
Sketching and the ability to visually communicate ideas

 Anything else you’d like to add in the way of encouragement, inspiration to future grads hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Work while you’re in school because you don’t want to graduate with an education you don’t know how to use. Don’t ever take a job not designing if that’s what you want to do.

Do you have any tips and tricks of the trade that you would like to pass down to future fashion designers?
Always find your fabric first and make sure you can get the same fabric for production a few months later.