Join Pretty Little Liars Star Janel Parrish at Foreign Exchange Clothing in Irvine on May 4

Pretty Little Liars star Janel Parrish will be hosting a shopping event at Foreign Exchange at the Irvine Spectrum on May 4, 2013, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.! The actress will pose for pics, chat with fans, and pick out her favorite pieces from the collection.

Foreign Exchange, a men's and women's shop known for carrying trendsetting designs from around the globe, has teamed up with KIIS FM and the American Red Cross to raise money for charity. There will be music, giveaways (including a $1,000 shopping spree at the store with Lindsay Yenter and Ashlee Fraizer from ABC's The Bachelor), sweet treats, and styling advice from FE Fashion Experts.

Read about Pretty Little Liars Costume Designer Mandi Line, who is a Graduate of FIDM and has a student intern from the college!

FIDM Alumna Kathleen Donohue Talks About Her Fashion Career

Kathleen Donohue came to FIDM with a BA in Economics and an MBA from Trinity College in Dublin. She graduated from FIDM San Francisco in 2010 with a professional designation degree in Merchandise Product Development, and is now working in sourcing and costing at a fashion company in San Francisco. We asked her to describe the inspiration behind her tumblr ...

"I'd say the aesthetic is a long, complex modern fairy tale—a lot of very feminine and sweet images intermingled with overt dark elements. I'm inspired by the purity of the colors and texture of nature, the romance of fashion history, the craftsmanship of artisan-made objects, and the edginess of alternative fashion movements like goth, Japanese Harajuku fashion tribes, and old-school punk."

Read the entire interview with Kathleen Donohue on FashionClub.com.

FIDM Alumna Lillian Estrada is Online Community Manager for Agency

Lillian Estrada graduated from FIDM with a degree in Visual Communications, and is now working at Modal Digital Agency in Irvine, managing social media marketing for clients using Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.

Read her interview on FashionClub.com to find out how FIDM prepared her for this exciting career.

Hunger Games Costume Intern and Cosplayer Michelle D'Antonio Shares What She's Going to Be for Halloween

The last time we spoke with FIDM Fashion Design Alumna Michelle D'Antonio, she was a costume intern on the movie The Hunger Games. Not only is her career sky-rocketing, she's super creative in her personal life—she's really into cosplay AND she makes her own costumes! Since Halloween is next week, we thought—perfect timing. Read on to find out what she's going to be for Halloween. Get inspired by her amazing creativity and talent. Thank you, Michelle! And Happy Halloween, everyone!

How has having been a costume intern on The Hunger Games helped you in your career? Being an intern on The Hunger Games helped me by getting my foot into the industry. I was able to meet amazing people who wanted to help me further my career, and I've worked with a lot of the same people since then. It was also a great experience to learn set manners, and some tricks of the trade!

What have you been up to since The Hunger Games? Right after The Hunger Games, I worked on a TV pilot called Tin Star, but it didn't get picked up, so it never made it to television. Then I worked on a film called Oblivion, with Tom Cruise. After that I worked for a short time on the new TV show Nashville, and I got to work on the LA leg of the second Hunger Games, Catching Fire!

In your own words, what exactly is cosplay? Cosplay is short for "costume play." It's bringing characters to life from comics, anime, video games, and fiction.

Tell us about the costumes you've designed for cosplay: With cosplay, the characters are not my original design; they are based off of established characters. I personally mainly create cosplay characters from my favorite video games—sometimes Disney, or other media. I'd like to make a superhero costume in the future.

What are you going to be for Halloween this year? I am going to be Battle Bunny Riven from the game League of Legends. The trick with Halloween is you want to dress up as a highly recognizable character. It's hard to go in cosplay to normal Halloween parties because most people won't be familiar with those characters. That's why I chose Bunny Riven. If you are a fan of the game, you will understand who I am. If you have no clue, I'll still be an adorable bunny girl!

Any insider tips on how to make your own costume for Halloween on a budget? The best tips to stay in your budget for all different experience levels is to bargain shop. Jo-Ann, for example, has a excellent free app that has even better coupons then the ones they send you in e-mails and online. You can also double up those coupons! A super helpful item when making a costume on a budget is CRAFT FOAM!! I use craft foam in almost all of my cosplays. It's so versatile—and with some heat, you can mold it to whatever shape you'd like. If you do a good paint job no one would EVER guess it's just foam!

What are your career plans for the immediate future? I'd love to work on the new Captain America film, but if that doesn't happen then hopefully I get another cool sci-fi job!

Anything else you'd like to share? I have a cosplay fan page if you'd like to check out a bunch of my costumes: facebook.com/MissyeruCosplay. If you have any questions on what I used or how I made something just send me a message!

All photos are Michelle D'Antonio, courtesy of Michelle D'Antonio.

Interview with Fashion Designer and FIDM Alumna Claudia Chioda

Claudia Chioda graduated from FIDM with a Fashion Design degree in 2006, and is currently working as a designer at one of the best and biggest intimate apparel companies in Los Angeles, Honeydew Intimates.

"FIDM gave me a foundation of skills to take into the real world. Simply put, without them I would not have been prepared. Without the technical and computer program classes, I would have been at a huge disadvantage. It is absolutely necessary to have technical, Illustrator/Photoshop, sketching, and color knowledge to get a job. FIDM also instills a fantastic work ethic. Trust me, you’ll need it to be successful in this industry."

Read the entire interview with Claudia on FashionClub.com.

FIDM Grad Miguel Barragan Gets DC Comics Superhero Named After Him

Miguel Jose Barragan graduated from FIDM with a Merchandise Product Development degree in 2008. He's now the Creative Director for Seven til Midnight, a division of Carrie Amber Intimates, Inc. in Los Angeles. And here's a fun fact: DC Comics based a superhero off of him. The newest superhero to join the Teen Titan series is Bunker (a.k.a. Miguel Jose Barragan). How cool is that!

Tell us a little about yourself: I am the Creative Director at Seven til Midnight (a division of Carrie Amber Intimates Inc.). Seven til Midnight is a lingerie brand with headquarters in Los Angeles. As the Creative Director, I am the driving force responsible for design direction for every season. I conceptualize campaigns and convince my staff to go along with my crazy ideas and materializing those ideas into lingerie and visuals. For the 2013 collection—which includes over 300 new styles—I oversee the design, tech, fit, all trims, all sourcing, all fabrication, the photo shoots (keeping in mind that most styles come in regular size as well as plus size, which means the styles must be shot twice), the model casting, the production of the InDesign document for the catalog, print production, and the artwork for the packaging, including the boxes and hang-tags.

What do you love about your job? Every day is fun at my office. I enjoy what I do; it is an absolute privilege to work in the fashion industry, especially in the lingerie market. But, I will admit that I love photo shoot days. There is something so exciting/cliché/“Hollywood” about being on set with models, lights, cameras, stylists, etc…

Who’s your favorite artist or designer? Ah! What a tough question. There are so many. In terms of traditional runway designers I love Jeremy Scott; his work is complex and he doesn’t take himself too seriously. I love the photography of Darren Black; its tough and sexy. I currently can’t get enough of Lana Del Rey’s music. But, I find inspiration with the people I know, the places I visit, and the things I read. I have an eclectic group of friends and colleagues—I feel that we are always supporting and feeding each other ideas.

How did you find out about FIDM? After getting my BA in literature and history, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in fashion. Being an Angelino (born and raised), FIDM is literally my back yard.

How did you decide on your major? My admission advisor recommended I venture into the field of product development. I was hesitant at first, as I wanted to go into fashion design. All and all, I know I made the right decision for me.

How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you’re doing now? I use Illustrator daily.  Through the FIDM Career Center, I was able to score my first design assistant internship, which turned to a part-time position, which turned to a full-time position. It was also through the FIDM Alumni resources that I was able to score my current job.

Any advice for current FIDM Students? You are never too good to pick-up coffee for the crew, everyone will love you. Be nice and try to be sincere to everyone, and I do mean everyone from the janitor, to an assistant, to the CEO. Take your work seriously, but also have fun doing it.

What fashion websites/blogs do you love to visit? I subscribe to StyleSight, there is always an interesting article and they have great trend analysis. I like fashiongonerouge.com, they give me all the most current editorial campaigns. Right now I am obsessed with Pinterest.

What is your biggest goal right now? I really want to lose 5 lbs. and take over the world—wait, maybe just the lingerie world.

Anything else you'd like to share? I don’t mean to brag (well maybe a little) but did you know… that DC Comics based a superhero off of me? It's true! The newest superhero to join the Teen Titan series is Bunker (a.k.a. Miguel Jose Barragan).

New Interview With FIDM Grad and Assistant Designer at Honeydew Intimates

Meredith Grier graduated with a Merchandise Product Development degree from FIDM in December 2010 and now works at Honeydew Intimates as an Assistant Designer.

"We all take the time, since we are a small company, to grow together as a team and help support each other in the process. I love that my coworkers mentor me as a young designer, and I love that I am given the opportunity to be involved in all stages of the design process ... My proudest accomplishment would definitely be that my first group was shot by Stylesight at the Curve show. It was amazing to see my first designs do so well and be recognized so quickly."

Read the entire interview with Meredith on FashionClub.com.

Support Girls' Education in the Developing World and Get Discount on Jane Cosmetics

They say it's better to give than to receive. But, now you can do both! Get a 25% discount on Jane Cosmetics, while helping to support girls' education in the developing world!

Jane Cosmetics has partnered with She's the First, a non-profit organization focused on the empowerment and education of girls in the developing world, helping them be the first in their families to graduate. Jane Cosmetics is donating 100% of the net proceeds of their Friends of Jane (Pink) Lip Collection to the charity organization.

FIDM Grad Morgan Kaptain has been working for the Jane brand for nearly 2 1/2 years and has been involved with the Friends of Jane product launch from the beginning stages to the shade matching! Way to go, Morgan! She shared with us how happy they are with the quality of the product as well as their partnership with She's the First.

To get your 25% discount on the Jane website, just use discount code EMPCHMGDCH7Z at the end of the checkout process. This code is effective for the next month.

IMPD Grad Talks About International Travel and Fall Trends

Name: Catherine Belgiano

Campus: Los Angeles

Major: International Manufacturing & Product Development

Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? One of my greatest accomplishments in the past year was being a part of and successfully completing the IMPD Program at FIDM, as well as being promoted from intern to design assistant at Karen Kane Inc.

Tell us about your experience in the IMPD Program: I was chosen to design knit and woven tops for the toddler girls market. The target consumer was a toddler girl, ages one to five, with the main purchaser being her mother. Her mother: median age of 35 in the lower-middle class, married with one or more children.

What was the biggest lesson you learned? Teamwork. Working with 12 other people for nine months can be very difficult at times, but in the end it's about coming together, putting aside your differences, and utilizing each other's strengths to produce the best results.

Tell us a little about your traveling experience: Throughout the course of the IMPD Program we traveled to Paris, Milan, and Hong Kong. The trips were absolutely amazing! We met with industry professionals on multiple occasions, from all different backgrounds. We learned the different social norms of each culture by attending multiple types of meetings from presentations to dinners in each country. This kind of experience will be invaluable when applied to future business networking.

Tell us about the Fall 2012 trends: Through extensive research we found that trends stretch across the board to include corduroy for textiles, which will be like the new denim, and bordeaux and bright orange for color. For the women's market, polka-dots are very popular for print, as well as ditsy florals.

What fashion sites/blogs do you love? A large amount of trend research is done online. Some of my favorite sources are Refinery29, WWD (an amazing resource because is offers fashion trend and industry news), Stylesight, The Man Repeller, StumbleUpon, and not to forget popular sites such as Facebook and YouTube, great sources for identifying mass trends.

How did you hear about FIDM and what made you decide to go here? I found FIDM while searching fashion schools online. Honestly, the reason I considered FIDM to begin with was because it was located in warm, sunny Southern California and I couldn't wait to relocate! The reason that it became my first choice for college was because of its streamlined curriculum that provides you with the skills needed to work in the industry. I am very partial to the quarter system, it is fast paced, just like the fashion industry itself. Also, because of the connections you make, there is a large focus on networking, from the very first quarter. It is extremely important and the people that FIDM can introduce you to is just unbelievable!

How did you choose your major? When I started FIDM I worked toward my associates in Fashion Design, after having completed that I was yearning for more. I wanted to learn more about the business aspect of the industry, so after researching I chose to apply for the International Manufacturing & Product Development Program to continue my education, really focusing on concept to consumer, how it's done, step by step.

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? In the future I'd like to get more into the production side and be able to have a job that allows me to travel, most likely to factories that we will be working with or for trend research on the development side.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about going to FIDM? Go for it! FIDM can lead you to amazing opportunities. Take advantage of all the great resources it can offer you!

Anything else you'd like to share? Just that I love the IMPD Program so much and I am sad that it is over. I'm so lucky to have been a part of it and cherish all of the experiences that I have gained from it. I would especially like to thank my 12 amazing classmates (whom I now call friends) and the teachers/faculty involved for making it the best!

FIDM Student Visits American Garment Sewing and Meets Product Manager From Miss Me

Merchandise Product Development Student Meghan Rother recently participated in a field trip to Amercian Garment Sewing as part of her Production & Sourcing Strategies course. The factory makes premium denim for companies including 7 For All Mankind, Juicy Couture, and Vince. Meghan tells us about her experience meeting a product manager from Miss Me.

Name: Meghan Rother

FIDM Graduation: June 2012

Campus: Los Angeles

Major: Merchandise Product Development

Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up just outside of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and moved to LA in 2010 because I fell in love with a boy. I was attending fashion school back home, and decided to finish out here. I was working the sales floor at a soap shop until two months ago when I landed the position of Social Media Manager at menswear and lifestyle brand The Hundreds.

Tell us about the field trip you recently took to AGS - American Garment Sewing - in your Production & Sourcing Strategies course: The trip to AGS made me somewhat emotional. Seeing the employees, as masters of their craft, working so meticulously was really inspiring. Now that I know how much work goes into each pattern piece, all the way down to stitches-per-inch, to make a garment just right, I appreciate what's in my closet more. And I'm definitely going to make an effort to buy American-made. I really enjoyed meeting the product manager from Miss Me, she's been in the industry for a long time, she spoke to us like a real person, and didn't sugar-coat anything. A lot of kids get into fashion thinking it's all editorial shoots and runway shows, not knowing what it takes for the garments to get to that point. Visiting places like AGS and meeting the product manager from Miss Me really helps put it all into perspective.

How did you know FIDM was the right college for you? The college scene with the football games and the lecture halls never appealed to me. I like hands-on learning. I prefer urban settings—a lot of my inspiration comes from that. I had a few friends attend FIDM who spoke highly of it, so I decided to give it a go.

How did you decide on your major? I like to take things that already exist and make them better, so Merchandise Product Development seemed like the right fit for me.

What fashion websites/blogs do you love? Complex is my bible. They cover EVERYTHING I want to know about. Sometimes I worry that they have implanted a chip inside my brain and are reading my thoughts! MashKulture Juicy is my go-to for current women's fashion, I LOVE SneakHerBox, because I prefer a pair of Jordans over Jeffrey Campbells, and Advanced Style makes me all sorts of excited to reach my golden years.

Who is your style icon? I completely adore Va$htie. She's a designer (Violette New York), director (Justin Bieber's "Baby" music video), and all-around cool chick. She's got a great high-low style, mixing garments from thrift stores with accessories that are more of an investment. And she always looks comfortable in whatever she wears, which I find very attractive.

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? I really love where I work now and would love to be here as long as I can, growing and evolving within the company. I'm open to just about anything. FIDM helped me to get where I am by teaching me the basics of pretty much everything—from design to production. I learned how to work better in teams, how to keep my cool under pressure, and (most importantly) how to not take criticism personally.

Anything else you’d like to share? The Hundreds is huge.