Style Scoop Interview: Just Accepted - Maryssa Stumpf!

FashionClub.com Daily is proud to present you a new twist on an old favorite! Style Scoop Interview: Just Accepted is our newest feature which will highlight students from across the nation who have recently been accepted to FIDM: The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising! Get the scoop on these trendsetters fashion faves and a peek into what makes FIDM the ideal place for such amazing students.

First up is remarkable young talent, Maryssa Stumpf. At just 17, her resume is already glowing with an a-list celebrity clientele. Let's find out a little bit more about Maryssa and her future at FIDM! -- Alaythia

Name: Maryssa Stumpf

Age: 17

City: Indianapolis, IN

URL: http://www.missabydesign.com & http://www.myspace.com/missadesigns 

FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus: Fall 2008, Fashion Design, LA Campus

Tell us a little about yourself: I’m a California girl, stuck in Indiana, who cannot wait to return to the west coast. I grew up sewing on my mom’s old Singer, and so instead of a car for my sixteenth birthday, I received a sewing machine with all the bells and whistles (most of which I have yet to figure out). I’ve designed shirts for the Disney sisters, Aly & AJ, and I’m currently working on a dress for Canadian singer, Skye Sweetnam. I also am putting on my own fashion show right before I make the move out to FIDM. While attending FIDM, I'll be writing about my experiences for Student Paths Magazine, which is a publication sent to high schools across the country. I cannot wait to begin my journey at FIDM!

Sites you must visit daily: www.myspace.com, www.google.com, www.teenvogue.com 

Your favorite lifestyle and/or industry publications: Teen Vogue, Seventeen, CosmoGirl, Elle, Women’s Wear Daily

Favorite Designer: That’s so difficult, but my first love was Betsey Johnson.

Your top sources of inspiration: The Olsen Twins, the 50’s and 60’s fashion.

Trend/item/inspiration you’re loving right now: Oversized sunglasses.

Who is your style icon and why? I absolutely love the way both of the Olsen Twins dress. Mary-Kate has always been ahead of the trend curb. She wore leggings and oversized shades before they became “cool” again. I also have a huge passion for the styles of the 50’s and 60’s, and so people like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy have always appealed to me.

What is your dream fashion purchase? A vintage Chanel quilted bag.

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? The Tiffany necklace my aunt bought me.

If you could own the wardrobe of any film or t.v. character, whose would it be? If I could transport back to 1962, I would love to wear the wardrobe of Amber Von Tussle in the movie Hairspray. 

The ultimate accessory is: Anything that’s a little off-beat that ends up really making the outfit. It could be a bag, shoes, or even the way you style your hair.

How did you become aware of FIDM? I believe I was simply roaming the internet one night, and just happened to stumble upon it.

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? Location was a major point for me. There are other great schools in places like New York, but I know that I’m not ready for a city like that yet. I’m originally from California, always wanted to move back there, and so I thought I’d give FIDM a chance. When I visited the LA Campus last summer, my admissions advisor was a complete delight, and gave me a tour of the building, even though most everyone had left. Ever since that day, it’s felt like a perfect match for me.

What was your favorite part of applying to FIDM? Although I’m certain I took my admissions project far more seriously than anyone else ever has, I had a lot of fun putting it together. It really gave me the chance to show what I’ve done already, and looking back at it now, it’s shown how much I’ve grown since then. It’s nice to have that all in one, neat package.

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted: It was sort of a full-circle moment for me. It happened about a month after I had visited FIDM, and just weeks before my acceptance, I had found out that Aly & AJ wore shirts I’d designed for them in their concert. So, when my interview was finished, and I was told they wanted me to attend the school, it felt like the perfect ending to my summer. It really confirmed to me that all of the hard work I had put in had paid off, and that I’d finally be able to excel further in something I loved to do, and be able to do it at a really amazing school! All my friends could say, though, was, “OMG! Are you going to meet Lauren Conrad?!”

(Shown are actual photos of pop duo Aly & AJ wearing Maryssa’s designs!)

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? Finally being able to go to a place full of people who are passionate about the same thing I am. In high school, I was the only one who was interested in fashion, to this extent, and so everyone would always be amazed at the fact I could sketch and sew my own clothes. I’m ready to meet people who also love all of that, because it’ll give me a platform to really challenge myself and grow.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? A better knowledge of the construction of fashion, and the experience that will launch me into the world fully prepared.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? I’m not itching to be the next big fashion designer. Now if that just happens to occur, I won’t complain either. I’m really interested in designing pieces to sell in my own little boutique that maybe those in young Hollywood would wear. I love designing for real people, and so my goal would always be to make it wearable, yet cutting edge and unique. 

What should potential students do in High School to prepare for a future at FIDM? Really make sure you’re passionate and somewhat knowledgeable about whatever you want to pursue. I would always encourage someone to teach themselves whatever they can before they get into FIDM, that way you’ll have a much easier time while in school. It’ll also show the school that you are serious about learning, which will give you a definite edge when applying.

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? Put forth your very best work in the project, and prove to them that you’re serious about school. FIDM is geared towards helping you make a great career in whatever industry you’re interested in, but what really makes or breaks your future is you. If you’re passionate about what you do, they’ll know. At the same time, don’t get too nervous about being accepted. Just be yourself, put in effort, and I’m sure you’ll have no problem making it!

Comments

[Olivia]

Congrats. I don't know too many 17 year olds with so much passion.
Lov
Liv

[Alaythia Calhoun]

She is an amazing girl, and very genuine too. :)

[karen]

yay thats my cousin

[Neme]

w00t! Maryssa is an amazing designer and an amazing person.

She's a hero!!

[Eleanor]

Yeah!! Great!! I like her style!!

[Cheri]

Missa has been imprinted with the stability of Indiana values and the free spirit excitement of California to make a winning combination that guarantees her success in life.

[Karissa]

Maryssa is truly a one of a kind girl and she will be going places =]

Shes awesome.

[Sarah]

Ah-mazing Missa! this is a nice little showcase of your awesome skills doll.

Maryssa is a freaking beast. period.

[Kayla]

OMG!!! MISSA IM SO PROUD OF U!!! WOOT WOOT MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL Fun TIMeS!!!