Congratulations to Brandie Rose Ribeiro, the First Place Winner at the State Finals of the FHA-HERO Competition. The prize? A full-year scholarship to attend FIDM! Brandie is the President of her FIDM Fashion Club at Ruben S. Ayala High School, and was accepted early into FIDM last year when she was still a junior. She will be studying Fashion Design on the Los Angeles campus beginning this summer.
Fashion Club Advisor: Barbara Allen
Do you have any updates you'd like to report
since your last interview with FC? I competed in the Regional FHA competition for Fashion Design and received
first place. I was selected to be in the Prom Fashion Show at my high school
and I wore one of the dresses that I have designed. Also, I am currently
working on two designs that I am excited to add to my portfolio.
Tell us about the scholarship you received: I am an FHA/FCCLA member. FHA holds regional and
state competitions each year. There are several categories that one may choose
to compete in. I competed in Fashion Design. My task was to execute three
designs for "Romeo and Juliet," including a cost breakdown for each design, an
information sheet of the elements and principles of design, a presentation
board, and a speech. I competed at the regional level and received first place,
allowing me to compete at the state level. I received first place at the state
competition as well. The first place prize was a full year tuition for Fashion
Design at FIDM, $100 cash, and a trophy.
What was your reaction when you found out that
you were going to receive it? As soon as my name had been announced for first place, I instantly had tears of
joy rolling down my face. I was in shock; I am still on cloud nine. FIDM had
always been my dream school and to receive a full year tuition, was a dream
come true. Hard work really does pay off!
What have you learned as the President of your
Fashion Club? As the President of my Fashion
Club, I have learned to be creative and more enthusiastic. I have to make sure
that the crafts we do are cute as well as cost effective. Also, my personality has a huge effect
on my Fashionistas; the more enthusiastic I am, the more excited they are about
what we are doing for that meeting.
How has being the president of your Fashion Club
prepared you for your future in the fashion industry? Being the president of Fashion Club has prepared me by making me capable of
thinking fast on my feet and thinking of others. Each of my Fashionistas have
unique personalities and as President, I have to make sure that the activity
that we are doing for that day holds all of their interests. For my future as a
bridal gown designer, my duty is to make all of my brides feel absolutely
beautiful.
Any advice for future FC Presidents? As a retiring
President of Fashion Club, my advice for future officers is to put your all
into your club because the members look up to us presidents. It is our job to
inspire the members to reach their goals and to not let fashion just be a
“dream.”
What are your career goals? After my first two years of Fashion Design at
FIDM, I will major in Business Management. Both of these majors will prepare me
as a bridal gown designer to open up my own bridal salon.
What do you expect to learn at FIDM? I expect to grow as a designer and future
business owner. I am excited to
learn more about fashion and how to run a successful business; and fall more
deeply in love with my passion for bridal gowns. FIDM is an exquisite school providing
all their students with the tools and knowledge to reach each of theirs goals.
Anything else you'd like to share? I am so blessed for all the support that I have
received from my family, friends, and the staff at FIDM. Thank you, FIDM, for all
of your opportunities.
