Name: Jordan Crosby
Age: 24
Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Previous college experience: Undergrad in Business Management, and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship – University of Iowa.
FIDM Grad Date, Major, and Campus: If all goes according to plan, Winter 2010 (end of fall term 2010). I am a
FIDM Fashion Design major. Los Angeles campus.
Tell us a little about yourself: Midwest born and raised, lived by a field but not on a farm. I’ve taken the full advantage of being in my youth and what my 'ma' refers to as “commitment issues," is rather my ambition to not settle too long. Due to this I’ve traveled to four continents, and lived in five amazing areas in the last four years. Reading biographies and bibliographies is a hobby, seeing prolific identities from such a candid angle is full of lessons to be learned. I find concerts to be one of my top inspirational sources, accomplished by watching a single band control an entire crowd. I don’t drink soda, but if I do I’ll submit to a root beer. Light gray is my favorite color.
What is one of your proudest accomplishments? I’ve had feats here and there in academics and athletics, but realistically I’d have to say my proudest accomplishment to date would still be making my parents proud. The older I become, the more that idea weighs on me, and I never want to feel negligent to everything the two of them have blessed me with.
Tom Ford
Favorite Designer: Tom Ford. You can never confuse his collections with other designers. The fabrics and patterns that he integrates in his clothing always have a bold uniqueness about them. It’s impossible for me to go by a Tom Ford optical counter and not bother the store clerk. In addition, the private blend collection of fragrances is on a whole other level.
Trend/item you're loving right now: Skinny jeans, or fitted jeans for that matter. I’ve always found baggy fitted jeans to look like sh*t.
James Dean
Pharrell Williams
Who is your style icon and why? It’s a combination of James Dean meets Pharrell Williams. Mr. Dean was completely against the grain and edgy for his era. He kept his look simple, but there was a raw attitude that it evoked. He was in his prime at the time of his death, the age of 24. I say Pharrell due to the fact that he gets outside of the box. His look, upon further inspection, is intricately put together with confidence. Whether it’s a concert or a red carpet appearance, his approach is fluid and (referencing his lyrics) has “spaz” like tendencies.
What is your dream fashion purchase? Denim has always been a staple for me, and I’d have to say an original pair of Levi’s circa late 1800’s. More from a collector’s standpoint than any other, I’d have those bad boys mounted above my fireplace in my log cabin in Montana (all generalizations of course).
What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? My shoes. I honestly can’t get rid of a single pair. I made the move to L.A. about a month and a half ago and brought every pair with me.
James Bond/Quantum of Solace
If you could own the wardrobe of any film or TV character (past or present) whose would it be? Easy answer, though it’s kind of a cheat. James Bond, definitely. You would get the best of both the past, present, and the future. Always dapper no matter the level of danger, and the wardrobe has always kept the perfect balance of tradition and modern influences.
How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? I weighed many schools in my decision, and took into account the staff that FIDM has acquired, the business-minded approach of the curriculum, and the growth of FIDM over the past quantity years. It’s general knowledge that if a college keeps developing and growing, they are definitely doing something right. I ultimately think too, that it was the lure of Southern California and the weather as well. I’ve lived in London where there was nothing but cloudy days, cold temperatures, and precipitation (Seattle natives can relate). Nobody’s happy when you’re out on the streets, and having to always carry an umbrella meant you were always down a free hand.
How did you choose your major? My initial year of college I was enrolled in the architecture program at Georgia Tech. They broke us down to the bare materials and taught us from the ground up. It was basically a make or break scenario, and with enough perseverance my projects became what I’d refer to as ‘mini-masterpieces’. All of that effort made design evermore fascinating to me! I’ve always had an attraction to the creativity and freedom that design allows. I did ultimately switch majors, and in time the realization struck me that my true passion was in clothing. I saw fashion design as the only choice I had.
What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I’ve always been told not to set expectations too high, for fear that you won’t meet them. However, with FIDM I have set my expectations on a grand scale. I intend to walk with a professional level knowledge on garment construction. I intend to connect and meet the likes of individuals all over the fashion industry and my school peers. Lastly, I intend to walk away from FIDM fully confident and believing in my abilities as a designer. I totally believe that can be achieved, but I have to know that the one roadblock is myself.
What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? When it’s all said and done, my ultimate ambition is to eventually be founder and designer of my own menswear collection. Not just any menswear label, but a highly successful and meaningful design house that comes complete with a mission statement and purpose. Initially after FIDM though, I am looking to work my way from the ground up with an established designer, and learn from the very best.
What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? You all have an ideal FIDM experience that you envision all the time. This school is all about teaching students how to make ideas into reality, start pursuing that theme from day one.
