FashionClub.com Daily

Man Shops Globe

While shopping at my very favorite store Anthropologie this weekend, I heard about this new show on Sundance, Man Shops Globe, which follows the adventures of Keith Johnson, a buyer for Anthropologie who travels the globe searching for one-of-a-kind finds. I can't wait to watch it! Have you seen the show? What do you think? Here's a promo:

Interview: Just Accepted FIDM Fashion Design Student Stef Tor

Name: Stef Tor
Age: 30
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus: Fashion Design, April 2010, Los Angles Campus

Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up in Canada and took Fashion Design at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada from 1998-2000. After Fashion school I did some production work for a sportswear line in Canada. I then decided to go to Florida and starting wake-skating and entering contests. After winning worlds against the guys in 2004 I started getting paid sponsorships to wake-skate full time (www.steftor.com). I have wake-skated for the last 7 years in Orlando, Florida until last year when I broke my leg pretty bad in a contest out-of-state.

I started thinking about my future beyond wakeskating and started getting back into fashion and designing my own clothing. I enrolled in a couple classes at my local college (IADT Orlando) and ended up winning two awards out of 36 designers at the Year End Fashion Show. I won Best In Show and Most Innovative Design. I then moved on to try out for Project Runway: Season 7 open casting and got a call back with an invitation to the private call in Atlanta. I am now living in London, England for the next three months working with WGSN (Worth Global Style Network) and am taking two classes at AIU London for Fashion Design. I currently have started my own line www.torbysteftor.com.

Sites you must visit daily: Lookbook.nu, Style.com, Harpersbazaar.com, Modcloth.com, fashionmagazine.com, vogue.co.uk

Favorite Designer(s): John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

Trend/item you're loving right now: Big Architectural Shoulder pads!

Who is your style icon and why? Lady Gaga because of her brave and attention grabbing outfits

What is your dream fashion purchase? Chanel J12 watch

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? My plaid Dior pumps

You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary? I would be shopping in London, England. I would spend most of my time at the Chanel Boutiques on Bond Street, then head to Soho to the Irregular Choice store and buy all their shoes!

If you could own the wardrobe of anyone past or present whose would it be? I would like to own Kate Bosworth's wardrobe. She always has effortless style!

The ultimate accessory is... My Betsey Johnson neck scarf

How did you become aware of FIDM? Through the world wide web in 2003!

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? It was love at first site!

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? Excited, Happy and eager to start learning more about my craft!

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? Learning in a big city like LA from teachers who have been in the industry for a long time.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? Being able to walk right into the cutthroat fashion industry with confidence in myself and my skills as a fashion designer.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? To use my education and technical skills to be as creative as I can with fashion design. I would like to be designing clothes weather it is for my own label or someone else's.

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? Live, Love and and learn Fashion as a whole ! Be prepared to shed blood, sweat and tears for Fashion Design, but it is all worth it in the end.

Interview: Just Accepted FIDM San Francisco Student Nadia Lazaro

Name: Nadia Lazaro
Age: 17
Hometown: Gardena, CA
FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus: August 2010, Merchandise Product Development, San Francisco Campus

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born in Los Angeles, Hollywood, and have lived in L.A. almost all my life-- moved to Placer County in the 5th grade due to my dad's job. In middle school I became inspired by Japanese trends and later on became addicted to knowing what was in or not. Now I’m a high school senior, taking sewing and currently designing shirts for teenage boys, (though I still keep the shirts because I love them too much).

Sites you must visit daily: Myspace.com it gives me goals just by hearing about how my friends are. Glitter-Graphics.com. Its cute pics give me fresh ideas.

Simone Legno

Favorite Designer: Simone Legno. He makes his creations come to life, and it makes me want to do the same.

Trend/item you're loving right now: Dark blue skinny jeans and long huggable shirts. They feel so comfy and I feel pretty wearing them ;]

Who is your style icon and why? My style icon would have to be my mom now, because she always looks good and dresses with style, but I can’t say she is the only one. I mean in general I’d have to say it’s L.A. It’s an indescribable feeling really.

What is your dream fashion purchase? The ultimate fedora hat out there.

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? My dark blue skinny jeans. The pockets actually fit my cell phone, and money, plus its sooo comfy. It’s like I’m not even wearing them.

You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary? Downtown L.A. You can find the latest fashion at affordable prices and you find so many outfits from around the world I would die for!

Jensen Ackles from 'Supernatural'

If you could own the wardrobe of any film or TV character (past or present) whose would it be? Jensen Ackles! From Supernatural! Oh my gursh he is soooo awesome! He is the liveliest actor I’ve ever seen on TV! Plus, of course, he has a unique wardrobe.

The ultimate accessory is... Any Rosario necklace, so many to choose from and it looks great all the time anytime.

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? I was never the work-at-a-desk type of person, and art and fashion runs in the family so its in my blood. When I checked out FIDM and what it offers, I just knew that this is the path I know I’ll love for life.

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? I was in such a shock I couldn’t speak! I must have mumbled so much after that. I felt like now my dreams are in my grasp.

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? The inspiration I am going to get from my classmates, and teachers, and making a unique, never thought of design.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? More creativity, inspiration, love for life, a great job, my name being known.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? Having my own line. But before that I want to get a job at a good company that cares about fashion as much as I do. Then I could take what I’ve learn and reach for something bigger.

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? You can’t give up! No matter how hard a task seems you just have to take a deep breath and give it your all! Always remember what got you interested in the first place and never loss sight of that!

Just Accepted! FIDM Student Interview: Leah Ring

Name: Leah Ring

Start Date: October 2009, Los Angeles Campus

Major: Visual Communications, Professional Designation

Favorite Designer: I love Alexander Wang and look to his collections for inspiration. His designs are edgy and fun.

Trend You're Loving Right Now: I'm digging the '80s rocker trend going on right now. I always wear a lot of black, and love all the leather and studs showing up in garments besides jackets.

Sienna Miller

Favorite Style Icon: Sienna Miller. She always looks beautiful and on-trend and makes it look effortless.

Dream Fashion Purchase: A Valentino evening gown (and an event to wear it to!)

What's the most beloved item in your wardrobe? A black distressed leather jacket I got in Madrid. The leather is so soft and beautiful and the jacket always reminds me of my time in Spain.

El Rastro Market, Madrid

You have the afternoon to shop in your favorite city. What's your itinerary? This may sound redundant, but it would probably be Madrid! I would start in the giant flea market called El Rastro for beautiful scarves and jewelry, then make my way to Zara, Top Shop, Mango, and Bershka.

If you could own the wardrobe of a TV character, who would it be? Carrie from Sex and the City. She makes bold fashion choices and has a ton of great shoes.

The ultimate accessory is: Confidence. You can pull anything off if you wear it with confidence.

How did you find out about FIDM? I looked up fashion schools online, then talked to family and friends in the arts and FIDM rose to the top.

 

Juicy Couture Founders

in front of the Juicy Couture Dedication Wall

at FIDM Los Angeles

How did you know FIDM was right for you? I got excited about the range of classes offered in the Visual Communications program, because it will give me the tools to pursue a variety of careers. Also, when I spoke to FIDM admissions officer and learned about the hands-on, art and project based curriculum, I knew it was the right choice for me.

How did you feel when you got accepted? So happy and excited! I completed my interview over the phone, and I was jumping around my apartment in Chicago like a crazy person. I still have to pinch myself when I think about starting on my new life path in sunny California!

What are you most looking forward to about your studies? Being able to really utilize my creative skills. I completed my B.A. at Northwestern University which was very traditional in that grades were based on papers, rote memorization, tests, etc. I have always been an artistic person and am thrilled that I will be able to use these skills. I am also so excited to be surrounded by a group of talented and creative peers.

What do you expect to gain? I expect to gain the knowledge to pursue a variety of careers involving visual communication, as well as the professional tools necessary to succeed in the competitive and fast-paced fashion industry.

What are your future goals? Right now I think I would like to be a fashion stylist, but I am ready to learn and grow and see where the future takes me.

Just Accepted! San Francisco FIDM Student Interview: Christina Nguyen

Name:  Christina Nguyen

Age:  16 (a month away from  turning 17)

City:  San Jose, CA

FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus:  Summer 2010, Fashion Design, San Francisco Campus

Tell us a little about yourself:  Even though I was the tough kid who played with dirt and liked to rough-house (even today), I was and still am in love with fashion. I used to doodle designs when I was little, and copy what my grandma did when she sewed. During my junior year of high school, I was actually able to make my own prom dress, with the assistance of my mom of course. As of today, I am overly excited about my early acceptance to FIDM because I not only will get to learn about something I love, but will also make a career out of.

Sites you must visit daily: Aside from my daily dose of  Facebook and Tumblr, I also love to visit sites like LookBook.

 

A Look by Evan Biddell

Favorite Designer: I do not necessarily have a favorite designer, but the designers I do love are Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Christian Siriano from Project Runway, and Evan Biddell from Project Runway Canada.

Trend/item you're loving right now:  What I wear and what trend I am into is usually based on my mood. But as of now, I love loud-colored heels. When I wear them with an outfit consisting of neutral colors, the heels just pop out. I feel confident and fun with them on.

Emma Watson

Who is your style icon and why? Emma Watson is my style icon. She is absolutely gorgeous and classy. She is always put together and I have yet to see an outfit to dislike on her.

What is your dream fashion purchase?  It would be a dream to own a wedding dress like the dress Christian Dior designed made of tulle, cotton, florals, and pastel-colored satin. I came upon it in a book my cousin let me borrow, Histoire de la mode: au XX siecle.

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe?  I do not have an absolute beloved item in my wardrobe; more and more styles keep coming. I can’t choose! But I do keep the jewelry and accessories my mom gave me from back when she was younger with extra caution.

You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary? New York! ..Or San Francisco and then I would find all the thrift stores there. I love thrift stores, like Crossroads, because there are the most unique, fabulous things you can find there within an affordable price.

 

Taylor Momsen, Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl

If you could own the wardrobe of any film or t.v. character whose would it be?  I would own Jenny Humphrey’s wardrobe from Season 2 of Gossip Girl. Her style is tough, but trendy and stylish at the same time. It says “I may have style and I love to dress up, but don’t mess with me.”

The ultimate accessory is... shoes <3

How did you become aware of FIDM? It was during my first semester of junior year. My best friend Stephanie and I were hanging around school during our free block when she saw an FIDM poster. “CHRISTINA! YOU SHOULD TRY THAT!” she told me. After that, I searched up the school. It was not until later on during the year that I actually signed up at a college fair that I won a raffle to go to.

See what's happening at FIDM San Francisco

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you?  I just had that gut feeling; this is the school for me. It’s hard to explain, the city and colors inside the building had already given me an awestruck. But in truth, I just knew it.

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? It had not hit me at that moment, not entirely. The director was sitting right in front of me as she told me right then and there after my interview for early acceptance. Congratulations, and welcome to FIDM. It wasn’t until I got into the car that reality struck. I wanted to jump around, and I immediately called one of my closest friends. Not only was I proud of myself, but those who meant a lot to me were proud too. There were those who tried to talk me out of it, saying the fashion industry was just too difficult to get into. I had proved them that I could do it; this is the start.

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? I am more than excited to start. Right now, I am still in my senior year of high school and I wish the school year would just fast forward. I am looking forward to almost everything like finally learning about something I am truly interested in and being able to be in the city.

 

High School Students at FIDM's 3 Days of Fashion

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I am not exactly sure. What I do know is that I expect to learn and know much more than I started, and to have an unforgettable experience.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? My goal is to start something with my clothing designs in it; something that makes people more confident and ready to take on the world when they wear my designs. Oh and of course, wedding gowns are a must. :]

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? Be sure that FIDM is the school for you. If you are sure, get as much information as possible about the school and get in contact with an admissions advisor as soon as possible.

Just Accepted! FIDM Student Interview: Sarah Jones

Name:  Sarah Jones

Age:  18

City:  Sierra Vista, AZ

FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus:  Fall 2009, Fashion Design, Orange County Campus

Tell us a little about yourself:  Ever since I was little I’ve loved fashion and designing things. I’m totally excited I get to go to school for something I’m passionate about, and actually will get to do as a job. I’m very quirky and I love to push the limits and change peoples’ minds about fashion. My style is different and fresh, with a hint of classic. I graduated this past May and I got voted Most Unique Dressed in our Senior Bests for 2009. So setting trends is one of my favorite pastimes.

Sites you must visit daily: I’m constantly on FashionClub.com and Style.com.  But I mainly live on fashion magazines to get my daily dose of style. 

Yves Saint Laurent

Favorite Designer: My favorite designer is without a doubt Yves Saint Laurent. He is by far the most creatively daring designer, and gets away with it every time. I also LOVE John Galliano, Coco Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Richie Rich, and Traver Rains.

Navajo-Inspired Fashion from Anna Sui

Trend/item you're loving right now:  I’m totally into the mid-thigh floral skirts. You can match almost any solid top with them. Add a splash of colorful jewelry and you’ve got an all day outfit. I’m also noticing a lot of Navajo-inspired patterns lately, and I’m digging it.

Who is your style icon and why? Kat Von D is defiantly my style icon. She pulls off skin tight jeans, a cut up top, and platform shoes better then anyone I’ve ever seen. I love that she owns whatever she wears, wherever she goes. Her confidence though, is what makes her even more stylish.

Heatherette Dress

What is your dream fashion purchase?  I would love to own a dress made by Heatherette especially for me. Those two boys are geniuses with color and texture!! I also wouldn’t mind having an original Chanel hat.

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe?  My T-shirt collection is my pride and joy. I’d rather rock a tee, skinny jeans, and a pair of sneakers over a dress any day.

FIDM's Study Tour to Italy | Find Out More

You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary?  Italy would be my city of choice. First I’d go exploring, finding mom-and-pop owned design shops and learning a thing or two from professionals. Then I’d head to a fabric house to see and feel the finest fabrics in the world. At the end of my journey I would of course take a shoe making class, because we all know the best cobblers in the world reside in Italy.

Carrie Bradshaw

If you could own the wardrobe of any film or t.v. character whose would it be?  Carrie Bradshaw!!!! Without even thinking twice I would totally own her closet. She had so many amazing outfits and such an eclectic style that there would be an endless wardrobe in my midst. Plus, she owned like 100 pairs of Manolo Blahniks! Which is my dream come true shoe-wise.

The ultimate accessory is... BIG JEWELRY!

How did you become aware of FIDM? This is a funny story actually… so I was online one day browsing to find a silhouette to use for sketching, and the only one I found that would work was from one of FIDM’s websites. I looked around a bit and then forgot about it. A few weeks later I got a pamphlet in the mail from FIDM, and I knew it was meant to be.

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you?  As soon as I grabbed my mail that day and saw the pamphlet, I knew it was where I belonged. It was like a sign. I applied and got accepted before I ever saw the school(s) in person.

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? To be honest I was a little scared I wouldn’t be, but I had the hope I would. When I was told I got in, I had to have the lady repeat herself, because I was completely in shock.

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? I feel like a kid waiting for their first day of school. I’m so excited and ready to start learning everything I can. Because my mission is to be the best designer I can be, and FIDM is going to teach me how to.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I expect to learn anything and everything I can that will help me in my career and business after I graduate.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? My goal is to start my own design house and be as creative and knowledgeable as I can be. I want people to wear something I made, and be pride of it and confident. I’m ambitious to make men and women look and feel comfortable in their own skin.

FIDM Orange County

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? START SKETCHING NOW! Call FIDM and talk to an advisor and learn about the school and how it works. Arrange to take a tour of the campuses, seeing as how there are four. You need to make sure you pick the right one for you, because they all have a different vibe. I chose the Orange County Campus because it’s both small and very relaxed. (Plus the very pink floor is fun.)

Just Accepted Interview: Carla Buchanan

New FIDM Student Carla Buchanan holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. (She was the first female radio sales manager in Orange County, CA, KWIZ AM/FM in 1985!)

The clothing she designs has been featured in national publications such as Altered Couture, Belle Armoire, Sew Somerset, Apronology, Somerset Life and Stampers Sampler and she won two first place ribbons and one second place ribbon at the 2009 Orange County Fair.

Name: Carla Buchananan

Start Date: October, 2009; Orange County Campus and Los Angeles Campus

Major: Apparel Manufacturing Management, Professional Designation

 

One of Carla's designs

Favorite designer: Well, me, silly! I love my designs! They fit me perfectly and reflect who I am. I hold my head a little higher, and have a little more fun, when I wear my designs. It is also great when people comment and ask me where they can buy the fashions I create. I tell them they have to wait until I graduate from FIDM.
 
Trend: I love the hippie look of Free People clothes. It reminds me of the '60s when I embroidered flowers and peace signs on any piece of denim I could find.

 

Josh Duhamel

Favorite Stye Icon: Josh Duhamel. He looks like he just crawled out of his crib.
 
Dream Fashion Purchase: 365 pairs of shoes. I would wear a different pair to class each day.

Carla's Depression-Inspired Dress

What's the most beloved item in your wardrobe? My depression dress. I designed a dress to wear to a depression party. I used two vintage tablecloths, muslin, and a rubber stamp. I wore the dress to the party and have been wearing it all summer to other events.

 

FIDM's Orange County Campus

You have the afternoon to shop in your favorite city. What's your itinerary? My town, Orange, CA. Yes, it is in Orange County. I would start with a ice cream sundae served by a soda jerk at Watson's Drug Store. This is where Tom Hanks filmed the movie That Thing You Do. I would then spend two hours in Old Town Orange, famous for thrift stores and vintage clothing. I would find the most wonderful, unique fashion items and wear them home! 

Katherine Heigl

If you could own the wardrobe of a TV character, whose would it be? Katherine Heigl. Glamour meets tradition.
 
The ultimate accessory is...  Has to be my wedding ring. I have worn it for the past 30 years. Other accessories are lucky to make it for 30 days!
 
How did you find out about FIDM? A FIDM graduate came to my community college fashion class. As soon as I got to my iPhone, I requested the information packet for FIDM. Before I knew it, I was IN and I start in the fall!
 
How did you know FIDM was right for you? When I discovered the Apparel Manufacturing Program and realized that it was all business and FIDM would give me the tools I need to start a new career.
 
How did you feel when you got accepted? When they said to me, "Congratulations, you have been accepted to The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. You have met all the admissions criteria. And, oh, by the way, you are not the oldest student we have ever had." This was meant as a compliment and I took it as a compliment. In my life I have survived a single engine plane crash, been offered a job as Bill Clinton's assistant press secretary, and won a car on a national game show, but nothing compares to the thrill I felt as Seung Kim, Admissions, handed me my special gift, the FIDM tote bag.

What are you most looking forward to about your studies? I am looking forward to my classes like MFTG 2520 Global Trade Dynamics and MFTG 2550, Production Control and Planning.

What do you expect to gain? The knowledge to own a fashion manufacturing company and the contacts to make it happen.
 
What are your future goals? To be accepted into FIDM's International Manufacturing and Product Developement program and  to own a fashion manufacturing company in Orange County, CA, or Los Angeles, CA.

Style Scoop Q&A: Marie Claire's West Coast Contributing Editor

For our latest Style Scoop Q&A, we quizzed FIDM Merchandise Marketing Grad Talita Silva, Marie Claire magazine's West Coast Contributing Editor and star of TV's Running in Heels. Read on to find out how Talita followed her passion all the way to FIDM and get an inside look at her typical work day. --Kim

Major/Grad Year/Campus: Merchandise Marketing, Class of 2005, Los Angeles Campus

Hometown: Hermosa Beach, CA

Current Employer: Marie Claire Magazine

Job Title and Description: West Coast Contributing Editor

FC: How did you get the job at Marie Claire?
TS: I interned at Marie Claire in New York City while having my experience documented/filmed for the TV show Running in Heels on the Style Network and E! Entertainment.

FC: What do you like most about your job?
TS: I love that I will still be on board with Marie Claire but still get to live in LA. I also love that I will get to do what I am passionate about, which is interviewing!

FC: Describe a typical day.
TS: As a contributing editor, it is very much like a freelance job. But Marie Claire contacts me if there is a photoshoot or an event going on in LA that they want me to cover. I will interview whomever they need me to and I write about it and turn it into one of the editors at MC for the next issue that comes out.

FC: How did you find out about FIDM and what made you feel FIDM was right for you?
TS: I found out about FIDM my junior year in high school. I was president of the Fashion Club at my school and took sewing classes. I devoloped a huge interest in the industry. I did some research and learned that FIDM was very focused on the major you chose and were very helpful in placing students or helping them find a job once you graduate. The classes are very hands on and I couldn't see myself going to any other school.

FC: How did you choose your major?
TS: Originally I wanted to open up my own store and/or start my own company. The major Merchandise/Marketing gives you the tools and prepares you for that route. After working for a major clothing company, Guess Jeans, at their corporate headquarters in LA, I realized that I wanted to do something different in the fashion industry: publishing.

FC: What are some of your top sources of inspiration?
TS: Fashion magazines of course, blogs, and keeping up with current trends, celebrities' fashion style, and the web. Sites such as Style.com and WWD.com are great.

FC: What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
FS: Having the work experience that I have under my belt at only 24 years old and doing this internship in NYC and the show Running in Heels.

FC: What was your favorite thing about attending FIDM?
TS: I loved how all the teachers had been in the industry and had actual experience with what they were teaching. I also enjoyed like I already discussed, how each class was so specific and hands on. The classes and school in general really prepares you for the industry and the working world.

FC: What are some of your goals for the future?
TS: I want to continue doing my new discovered talent and passion which is interviewing and journalism. I will continue my relationship with Marie Claire and doing work for them. Some day I would love to expand with my interviewing and have my own show or be a talk show host but staying in the fashion/celebrity realm.

What's Your Favorite '80s Film?

Online Surveys & Market Research

It's '80s month on FashionClub.com. Give yourself an '80s makeover and get a mega list of our fave '80s flicks.

12 Days of Christmas Contest is LIVE!!

Our annual 12 Days of Giving Contest is live! This year (as usual), we're giving away some seriously fashionable prizes.  Today's prize is a Juicy Couture heart locket and jewelry box!

Prizes include: 24K gold eyelash curler from Shu Uemura, Ben Sherman messenger bag, Marc Jacobs 'Bowhaus' bracelet, and so much more!

We're giving away one great prize every week day through December 19. You can't win if you don't enter! Friday's prize is a copy of INFLUENCE by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen $52! 

Enter today and every day! (You can only win once and you MUST be age 14-19 to enter!)

Be sure to check back daily to read the winning essays!