Interview with New FIDM San Diego Student: Karen Lacanilao

Name:  Karen Lacanilao

Age:  25

City:  San Diego, CA

FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus:  Summer 2009, Professional Designation Merchandise Marketing, FIDM San Diego

Tell us a little about yourself:  At this critical, soul searching, life stage I seem to be experiencing, and the limbo I have been dancing with upon college graduation, I know that it is my time to do what I love, right now—fashion. I think I was a little indecisive in high school and I did the normal route of San Diego State University and got my BA in Communications and minored in Economics. I’ve been working in the corporate field in an office job the last four years and realized that this is so not me. I want to be an artist - fashion is art and we are the canvas.

Sites you must visit daily: http://mashable.com/ -- the ultimate social media news 24/7!! www.Facebook.com – staying connected to friends & family =)

Favorite Designer: Jimmy Choo – handbags & shoes – my guiltiest pleasure!

 

A Gossip Girl in Gray Over the Knee Boots

Trend/item you're loving right now:  Way too many to mention… sequins jackets/tops, animal prints, leggings galore, scarves, leather jackets, stilettos, over the knee boots, DENIM!!!! I love Fall.

 

Rihanna

Who is your style icon and why? Rihanna – she is definitely an innovator. She is so gutsy, different, wild, fierce, and pulls everything off as very classy!

What is your dream fashion purchase? A fabulous SHOE CLOSET like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City!

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe?  My denim! It is so hard to choose which one… My top three beloved denim: Levis, Diesel, and Kitson. I just bought a pair of the Adidas & Diesel collaboration denim and it was love at first site!

 

South China Mall

You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary?  South China Mall in Dongguan, China! The LARGEST MALL in the entire world with approximately 1,500 stores! If I only had one afternoon, I’d try to hit up as many stores as I could!

If you could own the wardrobe of any film or TV character whose would it be?  The most obvious and classic choice would be Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and The City… I don’t watch too much TV now, but I did some research and I would probably go with Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl.

The ultimate accessory is... A FABULOUS PURSE! You can be wearing a white plain tee and regular denim and your purse would make your whole outfit. I am on Avelle (the new Bag Borrow or Steal) and I have a new designer purse ever month. I am so obsessed!

Heidi Satchel by Michael Kors

How did you become aware of FIDM? I am an avid Project Runway junkie – I am so impressed with how many FIDM Alumni contestants there were/are each season!

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you?  This is where the best of the best go. FIDM prepares its students with the necessary tools, guides students with technical processes, teaches mastery of the art, and enables students to pave their own unique destiny to success in the fashion industry. FIDM is where my new life, career, and art begin.

FIDM San Diego

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? It was a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Excited to start my new adventure and career path and anxious because my life was changing. A good kind of change.

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? I started in July and it’s been amazing. The professors are all so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about this industry and making sure their students are successful. The administration has done a fantastic job with orientations, career connections, and networking/social events to get the students involved and connected. I don’t even think of FIDM as “school” because it is so much more, it is a lifestyle.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I am already building my network of contacts in the fashion industry, I hope to continue to be involved and continue to make connections. I also expect to gain extensive knowledge in the planning, purchasing, allocation and promotion of merchandise. Additionally, I know FIDM will also teach me practical applications, technology, and management/leadership skills to be successful in the industry.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? When I graduate in June, I am ultimately looking for a junior or assistant buying position for a fashion forward retail corporation. I am also very, very interested in social media as well, so my alternative career goal would be to do social media for a fashion magazine, fashion blog, fashion event company or retail chain.

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? Don’t think twice. I thought twice many, many times and it has taken me too long to go after my passion. I am turning 26 next week (OMG, yikes, really?); it is never too late to pursue your dream career! FIDM is where you want to be, I promise!