Just Accepted Student Hope Evans Majors in Fashion Design

 

Hope Evans

Carlsbad, California

Age 18

 

Admission Advisor: Shirley McDonald

FIDM Campus and Start Date: Orange County, Fall 2011

Carlsbad High School

Major Fashion Design

Tell us a little about yourself.

I didn’t think I could draw until my sophomore year in high school, when my art teacher introduced me to art. She noticed my love of fashion and inspired me to start drawing.

I’m the oldest of four children and my mom had me at 17 so she didn’t go to college. In high school I was editor of the yearbook, senior class vice president, and goalie on the varsity water polo team. Like my friends, I was set on the idea that I was supposed to go to a 4-year university and even won a scholarship to a college in Staten Island, NY. I was in an incredible funk all summer and then two weeks before I was supposed to go to college my step-dad, who works in the fashion business as a rep, pulled out this letter from FIDM and said, “You should call.” As soon as I met with Shirley McDonald, my admissions advisor, I snapped out of my funk. I knew that the university path was just not for me. My parents were amazingly supportive.

 

What are your proudest accomplishments so far?

Being able to figure out that fashion design college was the right path for me was huge. It was hard to say no to the scholarship but when I decided on FIDM it felt like a weight was lifted. I was never surer of where I wanted to be—even though all of my friends are going to 4-year schools.

 

What made FIDM right for you?

FIDM had everything I was looking for in a fashion institute. Los Angeles is the place for fashion right now and it’s where I want to be. I’ll start at the Orange County campus for 9 months and then switch to LA.

Describe your entrance project.

I wanted to show my versatility so I had lots of ideas on my inspiration board. I love evening gowns, but I also showed a trousers and blouse combination, a modern skirt and blouse, and the influence of high fashion couture touches inspired by Chanel and Dior.

 

What are your career goals?
I love bridal design. It’s odd because I’m not the kind of girl who dreams about her own wedding day. But I really want to be part of the moment of putting someone in “that” dress that lasts a lifetime. I'm a huge fan of Monique Lhuillier!

 

What do you expect to learn at FIDM?
I hope to learn everything I need to take the ideas in my head and make them real. I believe FIDM will give me everything I need to make my design ideas a reality.