Just Accepted Interview: Apparel Manufacturing Management Student Amanda Oquendo

Meet future FIDM Student Amanda Oquendo, whose love of art and fashion will take her to California later this year to learn new things at fashion merchandising school, and pursue her dreams of working in the industry! Let's get to know Amanda a little bit better!

Age: 17

Hometown: I was born in Virginia Beach, VA, but I currently live in Jacksonville, FL.

FIDM Start Date: Fall 2010

Major: Apparel Manufacturing Management

Campus: As of yet I am undecided, but I am leaning towards Los Angeles.

Tell us a little about yourself: As a toddler, I would throw temper tantrums during the winter when I couldn't wear sundresses just because it was snowing outside. Today, I will typically be seen in a pair of well-worn heels holding a cup of coffee with a pile of books or manga straddled under my arm. I also love art and everything I own is typically covered in little doodles.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? In my art class, there is a wall where all the advanced art students put up their work for critique and grading. Since I was a freshman, I have always drawn inspiration from the art tacked on there. Now, whenever I get to put my own work up, I feel a certain thrill in comparing my art along with that which I've admired for so long. It also challenges me to do my best in all of my art.

Favorite designer: There's a Japanese designer named Eri Matsui who I think is brilliant. Her stuff is a bit avant-garde, but she blends themes from science and mathematics into her designs: fractals, topology, and the human brain have all served as part of her inspirations. As for more ready-to-wear looks, I am obsessed with Anna Sui and Rodarte.

Trend/item you're loving right now: I am a wee bit obsessed with jumpers. They're very easy to throw on in the morning (good when you've been studying until all hours of the night), but there is a certain tongue-in-cheek sensibility to them that I love.

Who is your style icon and why? I always draw inspiration from the most random characters: Holly Golightly, Spock, Alex from A Clockwork Orange, Naruto....the list goes on and on. Often, it's the personality of the person, the idea of them, that takes root in my brain. I pick clothes that in some abstract way remind me of that character, even if I'm the only one who sees it.

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? There's an old Dooney & Bourke purse my mother gave me. She bought it when she was pregnant with me, so it's older than I am (three more years and I can officially call it vintage), and I just love the simplicity of it.

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? I like the setup of the curriculum, especially with the bachelor's option added in. There's a rather good stream of alumni as well. Oh, and I will not have to adjust to living in a place that actually experiences winter, which is very beneficial to someone who has lived in Florida for 11 years.

How did you choose your major? I wanted the ability to manage myself and my business in the future, but I didn't want to be completely removed from the creative aspect of the fashion world. Apparel Manufacturing Management seemed the best median between the practical and the artistic sides of the industry.

What are you most excited to learn in your first quarter? If I can figure out the campus by my first quarter I will be a happy camper. I am just interested in seeing the microcosm of the apparel world and the things you never think about when buying a dress off a sale rack. Right now the only things I know are from books; it will be nice to actually learn it from a fashion college class.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I hope to have the knowledge and skills required to make it in the industry without being swept out by the tide.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? I hope to have my own clothing line that's sold in department stores or specialty boutiques.

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? Go for it! Admissions requirements look really intimidating at first, but once you get into it--if you are really passionate about this field--it will be easy. Have confidence in yourself!

Comments

[Nicole McDuffie]

Wow! congrats! This gonna be me soon hopefully. Thats what I want to get into too.

[Amanda Oquendo]

Thanks! I hope you get in!!