IMPD Grad Talks About Study Tour in Paris, Milan, and Hong Hong

Rancho Palos Verdes native Bernadette Lansing just graduated from FIDM with a degree in International Manufacturing & Product Development (IMPD). Her extensive research has shown the key fashion colors to expect for fall include ruby wines, woody browns, rich neutrals, forest greens, and deep and pale blues.

Tell us a little about yourself: I am 21 years old and a middle child. I have always loved being creative and working with my hands. When I was little, I enjoyed doing crafts and making greeting cards for my family, which I still do when I find the time. I also fell in love with photography in high school, and carry a camera wherever I go. I wasn’t the girl who grew up sewing and definitely knew I wanted to attend FIDM. I always liked fashion, but I had many interests. In fact, before I came to FIDM I had already acquired an A.A. degree in General Studies. However, as soon as my admissions advisor, Richard Kim, took me on a tour of the campus and told me about the IMPD program, I knew that it was for me.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? Completing the IMPD Program. It was exhilarating to put in all that hard work, get up on stage, and give my presentation showing the fruits of my labor. My classmates and I have taken this 9-month journey together through fashion school; to see the final products come out so well, and to receive such positive feedback, has been incredible and gratifying.

Tell us about your experience in the IMPD Program: You really do learn everything from concept to consumer, and working with a mentor really puts what you are learning into practice. I designed bottoms and outerwear for the Cherokee Tween Girl, ages 5-14. Some of my pieces included denim jeans, corduroy pants, cable knit capes, and jean jackets.

Who was your target? My target customer for Cherokee was Tween Girls aged from 5 to 14 years old. However, her mom, who is between 25-45 years old, and who is Cherokee’s main target market, does most of the shopping for this girl. She will be making the actual purchases for her daughter as well as the rest of her family; therefore, I had to make pieces that the mom would want to buy and that the daughter would like to wear.

What was the biggest lesson you learned in the IMPD Program? Definitely communication! Having to work with 12 other girls in this program and trying to get everyone to work together and communicate well was challenging. Whenever a problem or disagreement arose, we were always able to work through it and get to a solution. This experience has improved my skills in working in groups and communicating effectively; I feel completely confident that I will be able to put my communication skills to good use in the future.

Tell us a little about your traveling experience in the IMPD Program: For this program we traveled to Paris, Milan, and Hong Kong. In Paris, we did trend research for Fall 2012. We shopped the stores, looked at street styles and even attended the fabric show Première Vision. All of these things could be done in a real-life job. Also, visiting factories is important to do in a real job in order to check on your company’s products, which is what we did in Milan and Hong Kong. We visited Carrera in Italy and the Frontline factory in Hong Kong. It was a great experience.

Tell us about the upcoming Fall 2012 trends: One main trend we focused on for Fall 2012 was this theme of the outdoors and the countryside with a crafty feel. Key colors include ruby wines, woody browns, rich neutrals, forest greens, and deep and pale blues. Important silhouettes will be chunky knits, full skirts, fun trench coats and many denim and corduroy pieces.

What fashion sites/blogs do you love? Some of my favorite sites I love browsing through are WGSN, WWD, and Stylesight! Also, I am always on Free People’s blog, BLDG 25 Blog. It is fun and inspiring, and I am always checking to see what’s new.

How did you hear about FIDM and what made you decide to go here? I found out about FIDM by doing research online. I decided to take a tour. After seeing the campus and learning more about all the programs offered at fashion schools, I knew that this was the right fit for me.

How did you choose your major? I originally wanted to go into the IMPD Program, but after finding out that it was a third year program, I decided to go into Merchandise Product Development first because I wanted to learn how to create a fashion line, sketch garments, etc., as well as learn the business side of fashion.

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? I am open to all opportunities, from pre-production to production. Specifically, I am interested in kidswear, wedding gowns/eveningwear, and environmentally-friendly fashion. FIDM has provided me with the skills necessary to obtain a job in which I will excel.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about going to FIDM? FIDM really provides hands-on learning experience. The instructors are in the industry and know what’s going on. The classes are small, the environment has a creative feel, and the resources available to you are tremendous. If you are interested in any of the majors FIDM offers, take a tour and talk with an admissions advisor; when you see it for yourself you will know how amazing this school is.