FashionClub.com Daily

Style Scoop Interview: Jana Garvin

Store windows and interior displays play a huge role in the shopping experience and FIDM alumna Jana Garvin keeps things exciting as the Display Artist for Forever 21 in New York City! We caught up with Jana to talk about the industry, her creative process, and where she's headed. 

Grad year: 2008

Major: Visual Communications

Campus: Los Angeles

How did you get your big break into the industry?
I moved to New York City in the fall of 2008, to pursue a career in publishing. I found out quickly that editorial was extremely political and had limited creativity so I began my own business called Curb Appeal where I did window displays for small boutiques. I found that through that medium I could express the creativity that I had initially wanted to in the world of publishing. Then through my work at Curb Appeal I was referred to Forever 21 to be their full time NYC Display Artist.

What do you love about your current job?
I love the creative freedom that I have with my job. I thrive on working with the current trends and creating a display that makes the clothing have an impact on the customer.  

What have been some of your favorite displays and windows so far?
I just started this fall and immediately began working on the holiday installation that is just being installed now. I’m really looking forward to the windows for Resort 2010.

How do the displays actually come about?
Currently, I work off the theme that the visual design team in Los Angeles decides on. It is my job to take that theme and design the windows for NYC. I will use some of the props that they make and I will create a lot of other ones specifically for the NYC stores.

What is your creative process?
I'm looking for inspiration and doing research on what the theme really means. I will go to the library, read magazines, look on the internet at sites like style.com to see the latest trends, and even walk around the city to gather inspiration. Then I draw up my ideas, travel to Los Angeles to work with the production team who actually make the props/set, and then when it arrives in NYC I work with builders to install it, tweaking it here and there along the way and always overcoming obstacles.

What is a typical day like?
Most days I start work in the stores at 7 AM because I need to get as much done before they open. When the stores get busy I do research, work on my designs, and buy supplies throughout the afternoon. Every few weeks I travel to Los Angeles to work in the corporate office and in the warehouse to produce all of my displays. Sometimes I work overnights because that allows me at least 12 hours of an empty store so that I can do my larger installations.

What do you think it takes to be successful?
I have been told that it is my enthusiasm that has taken me to the level that I am at today. I LOVE what I do and I think that if your passionate about something you automatically work very hard at it and are then you are bound to succeed.

How did you find out about FIDM?
I went to USC for my undergraduate degree and they are in the same neck of the woods, so it was word of mouth. I had always wanted to get my masters or something comparable and a Professional Designation in Visual Communications seemed right for me. Going to FIDM was the best thing I ever did - it gave my the confidence and skills to succeed.

What did you love about your program?
I loved the teachers and the people I met throughout my program. I took classes that made me learn a lot about myself and what I was good at and what I was not. It really broadened my horizons and made way for many opportunities.

What are your future design goals?
There is a blog called anothernormal.com in which a photographer goes around professionally photographing all of the best windows in NYC. My goal is to create a window design for the Forever 21 windows that will get recognized on his blog! I idolize designers like Linda Fargo at Bergdorfs and Simon Doonan at Barneys for their unique and amazing displays and I strive to create windows of that echelon yet be defined by my own unique style.

Q&A With FIDM Grad Featured in "Whip It!"

FIDM Fashion Design alumna Rachel Piplica has a day job as a production manager at Lucky 13 Apparel, but by night she is a roller derby girl, known as Iron Maiven, and even appeared in Drew Barrymore's hit film Whip It!

How did you get into the roller derby scene? When did you start designing clothing?

I moved to LA in March 2004, to attend FIDM. I moved by myself from Pittsburgh with a goal to start a career in fashion. A month later, I met a roller derby gal who introduced me to the sport. I fell in love with it, attending FIDM as a fashion student by day, skating practices as Iron Maiven by night.

And you have also launched Iron Doll Clothing, which caters to roller derby team right?

Because of my background and schooling in fashion, it was natural for me to sign up on the uniform committee within the league. I actually landed the job at Lucky 13 Apparel because they were sponsoring our uniforms and I was working with the designer to create the uniforms for our teams. I started at Lucky 13 in Novemember of 2005, and have been here ever since. It wasn't until recently when other leagues saw the uniforms I made for our league's team that I decided to launch Iron Doll Clothing and create custom roller derby uniforms. I still work for Lucky 13 and my boss is incredibly supportive of roller derby and has been helping me with Iron Doll Clothing.

How did you first hear about FIDM?

I have been sewing and designing my own clothes my whole life. I knew I wanted to have a career in fashion, I just didn't know how to achieve that. I stayed in Pittsburgh after high school attending the University of Pittsburgh and obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree. Then I started researching fashion specific schools all over the country. I looked in New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. My best friend agreed to travel to California with me to look at FIDM. The building and the atmosphere was beautiful. I fell in love with it. I also loved that FIDM had a Professional Designation Program specifically for people who already had bachelor degrees. No other fashion specific schools offered that type of program. I was so anxious to get into the industry, it just made sense at the time to take this route.

How did FIDM help prep you for your career?

Everything taught in class was industry specific and to the point. It wasn't until I was thrown into the fire (so to speak) that all my lesson plans from school started to make sense. I was fully prepared and didn't even realize it!  Everything from pattern making, to drawing, to grading, costing, and sourcing all started to click and it felt like second nature out on the field. I took a lot of my class books with me to my office and I have all my old notes I took from school. Anytime I get stuck or need some guidance, I pull out my pattern books or read my notes I took in class. 

How did your role in Whip It come about?

Derby Girl was a book written by Shauna Cross, was a former Los Angeles Derby Doll. Drew Barrymore decided her first directorial debut was going to be the screen adaptation of this book.  Shauna started bringing Drew to our bouts in the Spring of 2008. About 10 to 15 skaters from our league were asked to stop by Drew's production company, Flower Films, and audition for the movie. I happened to be in Pittsburgh visiting my family for the 4th of July when I received the call that I had received a part in the movie. I left for Michigan, where the movie was being filmed one week later.

What has the reaction been so far?

The reaction has been incredibly positive and uplifting. I have come to realize that this experience didn't just impact my life, but the lives of so many people around me. Everyone feels inspired by the experience. It has given me a lot of confidence in my life, my career, and in derby.

You also work with Lucky 13 Apparel. What is your day to day like there?

I work closely with the designer Heathyr Lawrence, who is also a graduate of FIDM. Together we are responsible for designing and developing the Men's, Women's, and Kid's lines here at Lucky 13. We work closely with our in house sewer to trouble shoot the best ways to develop, pattern, and sew garments.  We attend fittings and work closely with our pattern makers and fit models
to get the look, style, and fit we want. I am responsible for costing garments and making sure we're reaching necessary margins while hitting customers target pricing.

You have quite an exciting life between work and roller derby. Congrats on all of your success!

Every time I tell the story it begins with "I moved to California to attend Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising..."

Let Them Eat Cake

Lady Gaga is a fan of her "couture cookies" and now 19 year-old Ange Dela Cruz is a bit of a media darling thanks to her online bakery The Sweet Life. “I name my desserts after style icons or pop-culture concepts. I usually start out with a name, then build a product from there. I love icons that epitomize glamour and lavishness,” she recently told the Inquirer.

Her cupcakes have names like Chanel, Satine, and Marie Antoinette. “I’m really inspired by Marie Antoinette and her frivolous lifestyle,” Dela Cruz says. “I love fashion, pop culture, and the arts. I basically fused all that and came up with a lifestyle concept for my products.” Dela Cruz resides in the Philippines, but is going to be studying at FIDM in the near future. We can't wait to see if she brings her bakery biz with her!

Dear FIDM Femme: I Want to Work Behind-the-Scenes at Fashion Shows!

Dear FIDM Femme: 

I am going to be a sophomore this coming year, and I know what I want to do with my career. But I don't really know what it's called. I want to work behind the scenes at fashion shows, helping to get the outfits together and getting the girls in line. What would you label this as? Thanks for the help,

Samantha A.
Oxford, NC

Dear Samantha: 

To answer your question, there are a number of different jobs encompassing each of those responsibilities. For example, someone who organizes the pieces and helps the models get dressed would be called a model dresser. Moreover, the person who is responsible for organizing the models could be called a model coordinator, runway coordinator, or even event coordinator. The connective thread is that everyone involved in the dressing/styling/coordinating process operates under strict guidance from the designer. 

If you're interested in doing this type of work, I recommend becoming a fashion stylist. Someone in this position would work under a designer, and yet have the responsibility of organizing the looks in such a way that you succeed in producing the designer's vision. 

To become a stylist, I would recommend one of two majors at FIDM. The first is Fashion Design and the second is Visual Communications. Either would sufficiently prepare you to work behind the scenes at any runway event. 

Since FIDM has 18 Exciting Majors, I would encourage you take our Career Quiz! By taking all of your interests into consideration, the Quiz will either validate your intended career path or offer insight into a talent you never knew you had!

Good Luck!!

xo
The FIDM Femme

Style Scoop Interview: Maria Ewing

As the owner and designer of Locketship, Merchandise Product Development alumna Maria Ewing (who does double duty as the face the company) is living her dream. We caught up with the Los Angeles resident to talk about her awesome line, which features motifs such as shells, seahorses, anchors, birds, and rosebuds. Maria also designs bracelets, earrings, rings, and a men's collection as well.

Name: Maria Ewing

Major/Grad Year/Campus:  Merchandise Product Development, Class of 2004, Orange County and L.A. Campus.

Hometown:  Torrance, California

What do you love about running Locketship? I love the creative process. I love being able to envision a piece, gather the necessary materials, and work and create until it comes to fruition. I really enjoy being my own boss as well!

When did you launch and why? Locketship launched in January 2008. It's hard to believe it's been almost two years. I started making custom lockets for my family and friends. The pieces started getting a lot of attention and I started getting requests so I decided to turn it into a business and create a jewelry line. Ultimately, I wanted to make beautiful and memorable pieces for people so they could show off the important things in their lives.

What's a typical day like? My day starts with checking emails and prepping and shipping orders. If there is an item that needs to be made, I start the process of making it. Each locket takes two to three days to create. I make time to work on new designs everyday. I also do the web design for Locketship.com, so I make changes and add items as necessary.

Why did lockets inspire you to launch an entire line?  Lockets were originally intended to hide and protect precious items such as a photo or lock of hair. Now, it's all about showing and displaying what's important to you. Lockets are like scrapbook pages in a smaller form that are turned into a necklace. You can put anything into one and be able to wear it and have it with you at any time. And they make great conversation pieces.

What are some of your favorite pieces? I love each piece I've made, but I do have three favorites. I love the way the Half a Penguin locket looks when someone wears it. It looks like a human head on a penguin body. I also love the Lola Calavera and Betty Calavera necklaces because I sketched the faces of Lola and Betty. Lastly, the Soaring Seas necklace is special to me because it features a photograph I took in Nice, France, on my second honeymoon. I'm reminded of that special time and place every time I see and wear that piece.

How did you discover FIDM? Representatives from FIDM came to my high school and did a presentation in my clothing construction class. Our class was able to go to one of the FIDM fashion shows. It was really inspiring! I attended both the Orange County and LA campuses and now I'm running my own line.

What did you love about it? I loved all of the projects we were assigned to do. Projects at FIDM were never "dreaded school projects." They were fun because they required us to be creative and use our talents. I love working hands on because it's the easiest way for me to learn. I even enjoyed all of the papers that we had to write because they were related to the fashion industry. My favorite project was going to the museum and doing a report for my History of Costume class.

Any lessons you learned at FIDM that you still use today? One thing that has really stuck with me from FIDM is the work ethic. FIDM taught me that making it in the fashion industry and creating unique pieces are a lot of work. It's extremely rewarding work, but you still have to dedicate yourself to it. FIDM prepares you very well for that.

Where do you see the future of Locketship? My goal is to work towards opening a Locketship store. My long-term goal is to have Locketship products in stores nationwide.

What advice would you give to other aspiring jewelry designers? My advice would be to remember that starting a line in the fashion industry is a business. There's a lot of hard work that goes into coming up with ideas, creating pieces, running a website, and taking care of customers. Stay focused and always be prepared because anything can happen or change at anytime. Lastly, I would say: design what you love!

Trend Analyst & Fashion Expert Tom Julian Visits FIDM

Fashion insider and author Tom Julian visited the Los Angeles campus to sign copies of his book Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style.

The event, organized by Student Activities and the FIDM Museum, was packed with FIDM students, faculty, and staff.  Julian spoke about his fashion career and his collaboration with Nordstrom on his book. --Harriet

Photos from FIDM's Career Fair

FIDM Students gathered on Tuesday at the student lounge where they had the opportunity to get their foot in the door at many of the major fashion retailers in the nation and around the world.

    ~ Arali

Project Runway Winner Leanne Marshall Debuts New Collection

Fashion Design Alumna and Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall has debuted an exclusive eco-chic collection for Bluefly.

There are bamboo jersey tops with ribbon detail, pleated tanks that are perfect for summer, and even a formal strapless dress in royal blue silk. We love them all!

FIDM Alumna Designs for L.A. Label Trunkettes

Ladies, have you ever wanted to wear swim trunks or board shorts to the pool or beach instead of a bikini? Guys' styles are often way too long or unflattering on women, but thanks to L.A.-based Trunkettes, you can wear stylish shorts that are both functional and fashionable. FIDM Alumna Kristen Evenson is the designer behind the new label. "“Since it's a new concept in women's swimwear, there has been a lot of interest and buzz about our products," says the Fashion Design Grad. “I love that I have so much freedom with my creativity. I got to design our company logo and also different merchandise like pens, stickers, and t-shirts.”

Style Scoop Interview: Clarissa Ramirez

 As an Alumna of FIDM and current FIDM Staff Member, Clarissa Ramirez knows a thing or two about fashion! After a successful career in the footwear industry, Clarissa has returned to FIDM to work as the Promotions Manager for Fashion Club. Learn more about Clarissa's story and her advice for future students!

Major/Grad Year/Campus: Merchandise Product Development Professional Designation, 2001, Los Angeles

Hometown: Victorville, California

Job Title/Description: Promotions Manager, Fashion Club

FC: Were you at all hesitant to work at FIDM since you are a Grad? 
CR: Not at all, I feel very at home here. Someone asked me how I felt about no longer working in the industry when I came to work at FIDM. I don’t see it that way at all. I’m more involved in the industry as a whole working here than I ever have been because FIDM has its hands in all aspects of the industry rather than just one area. 

FC: What are the best parts of your job and why?
CR: My interaction with the high school students who are Fashion Club members is my favorite part of my job. I especially love to see the various Fashion Club contest entries that come in. We run lots of design oriented contests and the student designs that come across my desk are so fabulous! I love being surrounded by young people who are so passionate about fashion.

FC: How do you seek inspiration/motivation?
CR: Through travel, jewelry, and reading. I do all three as often as possible.

FC: What has been a career highlight or challenge so far?
CR: I am borderline obsessed with shoes (isn't everyone?). The highlight of my career was when I became Marketing Manager for the World Shoe Association and ran the marketing operations for The WSA Show, which is a footwear tradeshow, The Collections at WSA (luxury and designer footwear tradeshow), and Materials of WSA (footwear sourcing show) - some of the world's most important footwear and accessories marketplaces. I had the fortune of seeing the shoe and accessory lines from the major designers long before they hit the stores.

FC: What is a typical day like for you at FIDM?
CR: I spend a lot of time talking with students who are interested in starting FIDM Fashion Clubs at their high schools or who have clubs and need my help with something.  I also manage our contests and scholarships, including sorting through the entries and choosing the winners, which is a lot of fun. I work on new promotions and partnerships for Fashion Club and, of course, the usual emails and meetings are sprinkled in.

FC: How did you choose your major?
CR: I have always wanted be a part of the analytical/strategic side of business but could never shake my need to have my hands in the creative as well. When I explained this to my FIDM Advisor, he told me that the Product Development major would give me the best of both worlds.

FC: What were your favorite things about attending FIDM?
CR: Fashion is my favorite art form. I loved being surrounded by people who loved fashion and style the way I did-not just as a hobby, but as a lifestyle and a career. I came to class and was inspired just by seeing what the students around me were wearing.

FC: What are your future goals?
CR: I’d like to become a VP of Marketing one day. The next area of the world I’d like to explore is Asia. And I’d like to learn to speak Spanish fluently.

FC: What advice would you give to future FIDM Students?
CR: Network, network, network!