FashionClub.com Daily

Style Scoop Interview: Laura Stang

Porridge. It's not just relegated to Goldilocks anymore. It's FIDM alumna Laura Stang's spirited, soulful, feminine fashion line. We caught up with Laura (pictured above) to find out the secrets to her success. The proof is in the porridge, ahem, I mean pudding!

Name: Laura Stang
Grad Year: 2000
Major: Merchandise Marketing
Campus: Los Angeles

How did you get your first break and when did you launch?
I started by making these one-of-a-kind hand-dyed, hand-embroidered patchwork floral tank tops and selling at a boutique in Brentwood that I managed. From there, they became a fast hit. I launched Porridge in 2004.

Describe the general process you go through to design a piece of clothing.
The first piece of clothing was a true labor of love. I bought the blank tanks from American Apparel and then would dye them by hand in my kitchen in a glass salad bowl. From there they would hang dry in the house I was renting with 3 girlfriends. After the tees were dry I'd begin cutting petals out of vintage recycled clothing scraps and hand-embroidering them on the tanks. It was a process.

What do you love about your career as the owner and president of your own fashion line?
Every day is truly different and I'm constantly "on my toes."

What is the least glamorous aspect of your career?
Going to the dye house.

Describe a day in the life of someone who loves to wear Porridge.
It's a day of color and fun. Porridge is so cheerful you can't have a bad day when wearing the line.

Describe how you felt when you got your first editorial credit in a magazine?
It was awesome, almost like it wasn't real but at the same time it kept pushing me to get more edits and constantly evolve as a designer.

After running your own business, what is one major lesson learned and how did you learn it?
Don't grow too fast! Take your time and enjoy the process. It's never good when suddenly you're in over your head and feel more stressed than happy.

What is a common myth people have about fashion design?
That it's a glamorous job. Honestly, it's far grittier than people think.

What does it take to be successful?
Dedication and loving every aspect of what you do. Taking the good with the bad and being on top of every detail regarding how the business runs.

What are your long-term design goals?
To expand into doing more things print-related. I'm a textile girl at heart before a designer. Designing prints, patterns and colors are my favorite aspects of what I do daily.

You are a graduate of FIDM. How did you find out about FIDM and what went into your decision to go there?
It's local and reputable. I know I wanted to stay close to my family and FIDM is known to have a great fashion program.

How did you choose your major?
I wasn't sure about what aspect of the business I wanted to pursue so Merchandise Marketing was a great balance between business and design.

What was the best lesson you took away from FIDM?
Color Theory class and History of Costume.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to become a fashion designer?
Intern for a company and learn everything you can.

If you could collaborate with any designer in the world, who would it be and why?
Vera Neumann. She was the goddess of all things print-related and she blended art and fashion so well.

--Gigi Hooghkirk

Super Lucky Cat Reinventing Vintage

Super Lucky Cat, a company started by Crystal Butler and FIDM Alumnus Michael Baffic is one of the few companies still around that brings vintage clothing to life by reinventing pieces into dresses, tops, and other great silhouettes for women.
    All the designs are created in their loft in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, only a couple miles from the FIDM campus. With bags and racks full of clothing galore, they are getting ready to ship out to different buyers across the nation.

FC: What is Super Lucky Cat and how did it get started?

"Crystal and I met in New York in 1998. She was a buyer for Urban Outffiters, I was a merchandiser and sales manager at a company; we met and started dating and we had the opportunity to move to Los Angeles. It didn't work out for her position, and I kept telling her to start her own company--she's liked remaking vintage since she was a kid...so she started a company. She began remaking vintage and sent some things to Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom and they really liked it, so they bought it. I would work all day at my job, and then I would come home and help her cut orders, pack orders, do whatever until late at night and then go back to work the next morning. This went on for many years. When it was finally a big enough company, I quit my job and did Super Lucky Cat full-time."

FC: Tell us what the whole process is for Super Lucky Cat compared to a massive factory?

 

"Our materials are all recycled, so everything is one-of-a-kind. Our process is: order vintage, (we get it in by the thousands of pounds), then we have to pay people to sort through the vintage and remove all the damaged items. Then we have to wash all the vintage and then we have to sort all the vintage by size and color. Then we have to start worrying about what we want to make.

    If we make something out of scarves, each garment has to be hand matched so our staff has to find all the scarves in a certain color that look good together. They have to lay them all out and then reinspect them for damage. After that they get pressed and stacked and the pattern gets put on top to get cut. Once all that is finished, it goes for sale. It takes us 4 or 5 times as long to make one garment; it also requires 4 times the staff."

FC: What is it specifically that you do in the company?

"I do all of the banking, the finances, book keeping, order entry, answering phones, production managing, shipping, and I also play assistant designer."

FC: Is Super Lucky Cat considered eco-friendly?

"We consider all of our lines eco-friendly because they are made from recycled clothing...we don't go out and buy bamboo--that's eco-friendly for the New York Times! We take people's garbage and turn it into new clothes and sell it to stores, and people buy it. The way we see it, we're directly taking garbage and taking things that people don't want and making it into something people want; which is a lot better than saying I only buy fabric that is organically grown. We actually use trash, we think we are a much more eco-friendly company than some others."

FC: What was your major at FIDM?

"I studied Fashion Design. I studied in San Franciso for a year and then went on to Los Angeles to finish my second year."

FC: Why FIDM?

"I think it was because it was a trade school--I was going to learn how to get a job and be prepared, instead of learning the 'arty-ness' of being a designer. I wanted to go to school and get a job.

FC: Why is school so important?

"If you don't have a degree, nobody is going to talk to you, period. The one thing that I like is that when you get someone from FIDM, you know they've had the opportunity to learn what they need to learn to get an entry level job. Whether someone takes advantage of that knowledge or not is a different story, but you know the education was there. We've hired two FIDM Graduates...actually our first assistant was finishing up her degree at FIDM while working for us part time. We hire them because we know they have the basic training.

    I always made sure to take the hardest instructors, and the only reason I took them was because they stressed how important it was in your presentation, your follow through, and your attention to detail; they kept reminding us how competitive it was and how hard it was. I was very organized, I knew how to present my work and I think more than anything that's what really helped me get a job. They stressed real world skills and qualities that you needed to get a job."

FC: What is your advice to students who want to start their own company?

"I really really think that nobody should bother starting their company for at least 10-15 years. I have friends that have tried it right after school and it was just a money pit. FIDM is a great place to get a basic education. Work for someone smart and for different companies for ten years, get to be the boss' friend, be the boss' most trusted employee, be the boss' right hand person and learn how the boss runs the business and makes money.

    If you can design, you have 1/10th of the formula, you need to know how to make patterns, fit patterns, production, quality control, you need to know how to pack your own boxes...unless someone gives you a million dollars to hire people to do all these things. You have to know how to do everything yourself and the only way to learn that is to work for somebody who already knows it and take every opportunity to go help out. I use to go help pack boxes in my spare time and I learned to pack boxes and label them so when I had my own company I didn't have to hire a shipper; all the other sales people thought I was crazy because they were too important to pack boxes. That's why it's important you get a basic education so that you can get your foot in the door."

Make sure to support Super Lucky Cat by finding them at any Urban Outfitters in your area. To find more retailers, visit superluckycat.com!

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!

Style Scoop Interview: Meg Lewis

We recently caught up with Visual Communications Alumna Meg Lewis, owner of 1918 Vintage, an online boutique selling one-of-a-kind vintage pieces for men and women, as well as handmade clothing and accessories. Read on to learn about Meg's road from FIDM to being a fashion entrepreneur and how she's utilizing the web to run a successful business!

Major/Grad Year/Campus: Visual Communications, Class of 2007, Los Angeles Campus

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Employer: Self-Employed

Job Title: Owner of 1918 Vintage.

FC: What are the best parts about your job?
ML: Every day is different! I set my own hours and make each decision myself. Some days I'm shopping at thrift stores looking for new pieces or I'm doing a photo shoot, and other days I'm designing new graphics for the web site. Another great part of my job is getting to chat and meet people all over the country. Being an owner of an online shop, 60 percent of my customers are international! I've made a lot of exciting contacts and have made a lot of foreign friends.

FC: How do you get inspired?
ML: My main inspiration comes from blogs. I'm definitely a child of the technology era! There are so many great fashion bloggers all over the world that have really interesting posts on current trends, ensemble composition, and new/upcoming designers. This allows me to see what my demographic all over the globe is wearing and wanting.

FC: What have been your career highlights so far?
ML: I just had my one-year anniversary a month ago. It felt great knowing that 1918 has been sustaining itself and growing continuously. When I started 1918 I took a huge leap of faith and didn't know how long it would last. Every time I get a letter or email from a customer thanking me for starting such a great business that's a huge career highlight!

FC: What's your typical day like?
ML: I typically wake up around 8:00 am, make a decaf latte, and read my blogs. I subscribe to 75 blogs so it takes a little while to read all of the new entries. After that I get ready for the day and pack up my orders from the previous day. I include a handwritten thank you note to each customer. I then go to the post office to deliver all of the orders. After this it varies day by day. Today, I'll be visiting a handful of estate sales looking for new vintage pieces, then scheduling a time for one of my models to come over and be photographed for the website. At night I always reply to emails and update my store's Facebook, MySpace, blog, and Twitter.

FC: How did you find FIDM?
ML: I discovered FIDM when I was looking everywhere possible for fashion schools. I visited five different fashion schools in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. None of them compared to the warm welcoming atmosphere FIDM had when I was a prospective student.

FC: How did you select your major?
ML: I chose Visual Communications because it was a design major without fashion design. I love designing but I've never liked sewing. I wanted to style, photograph, and do graphics. Luckily, Visual Communications allows you to do so much in the fashion industry. From styling to space planning to logo design, it's such a versatile major! I wouldn't have my business today without everything I learned in Visual Communications!

FC: What were your favorite things about attending FIDM?
ML: Probably all of the opportunities I got and all of the industry folks I met. While I was at FIDM I took every opportunity to volunteer at events that I could. It allowed me to make so many great contacts. FIDM also got me an amazing internship that taught me more than I could have ever imagined.

FC: What are some of your future goals?
ML: To keep growing 1918 Vintage as much as possible. I would love to make enough profit to give at least 20 percent away to the WWF. My biggest life goal is to travel. Fortunately, owning an online business allows me to move about whenever I want to!

FC: What advice do you have for future FIDM students?
ML: Give it 100 percent. It's tough sometimes to pull an all-nighter and work so many hours on a project, but it'll be worth it! Your instructors will recognize your work ethic and they're such a key aspect in your education. They're actual industry people who have actual contacts. If they think you're a hardworking responsible student they'll help you out!

Style Scoop Interview: Cassey Sawhill

 

We recently caught up with FIDM Graduate Cassey Sawhill, one of LA's most talented stylists. She's put together fabulous looks for celebs, models, and actors for magazine editorials and more. Recently, she styled Shenae Grimes for the cover of TeenPROM Magazine.

Read on for the full interview. Don't miss her prom fashion tips. And for all the stuff you need to know for prom, check out promadvice.com. You'll find the best dresses, accessories and hair and makeup looks, plus hot styles for guys too!

Name: Cassey Sawhill
FIDM Major & Grad Year: Fashion Design 2003
Campus: Los Angeles
Hometown: Clovis, CA
Job Title: Stylist
Web Site: www.sassycassey.com

FC: What does a stylist do?
CS: A stylist creates an overall look using wardrobe and accessories as their medium.

FC: How did you find out about styling as a career?
CS: During my second year at FIDM a stylist spoke to my career planning class about her work and my interest sparked.

FC: How did you get started?
CS: After graduating, I attended a stylist workshop at Fred Segal where I met and soon after began assisting my first stylist.

FC: What do you love about your job?
CS: The constant change and the creative, fun people I get to work with.

FC: What's the most difficult part of your job?
CS: Working with people who may not share your creative vision.

FC: What was the craziest styling job you ever had?
CS: I recently styled two Los Angeles DJs for 944 Magazine and on top of the unusual request for Colonial and Old English looks, one of them insisted on holding taxidermy ducks. I actually had to get them!

FC: What are the top 5 things you use most from your styling kit?
CS: Safety pins, double-stick tape, clamps, scissors, and the famous chicken cutlets [bra inserts]

FC: What insider information do you have for someone starting a styling kit?
CS: Go cheap. You can get most of what you need at places like the 99 Cent store and Ross.

FC: How did you feel when you saw your first shoot in print in a magazine?
CS: Proud. I wanted to lean over to the person next to me at the newsstand, point to my name, and tell them, "That's me!"

FC: To what do you attribute your love of fashion?
CS: Thrift stores. Searching through racks of junk for hours back in junior high to find unique treasures is what really taught me 'it's not what you wear but how you wear it'--a motto I still live and dress by today!

FC: What celeb has the best style?
CS: Chloe Sevigny. She can make a pototo sack look like couture.

FC: How is styling a celeb different from styling a model?
CS: With models you get to tell them what to wear. They help you tell your [fashion] story. When you style a celebrity you have to work with their likes and dislikes to create a look they go for and feel great in.

FC: You styled Shenae Grimes for the cover of TeenPROM Magazine. What was that like?
CS: Shenae has great style and knows what she likes so for me it was fun and easy. We liked all the same stuff!

FC: What is a common myth people have about styling?
CS: That it's glamorous. There is so much schlepping involved it really breaks down to about 99% hard work and 1% glamour.

FC: What advice would you give someone who wanted to become a stylist?
CS: Contact agencies and start assisting until you find someone to work under who believes in your future capabilities. Then test, test, and test some more to get your book together.

FC: You are a graduate of FIDM. How did you find out about FIDM and what went into your decision to go there?
CS: I found FIDM while researching design schools online. Being a California native I liked the idea of staying in my sunny state and once I visited the LA campus and felt the creative energy, I was in!

FC: How did you choose a major?
CS: I've always loved unique pieces and putting looks together so Fashion Design seemed like the logical choice.

FC: What was the best lesson you took away from FIDM?
CS: Work hard and get the job done right, whether your sleep or not.

FC: What's your fashon must-have of the spring?
CS: Floral sundresses and sandals! I would wear them both year 'round if I could.

FC: What are the hottest dresses out there right now for prom?
CS: Short and sassy party dresses that you can not only wear to prom, but again on a date or a girls' night out!

FC: Do you have a fashion tip for our readers who are picking out a dress for prom?
CS: Make it your own. My favorite looks are simple dresses accessorized with funky belts, chunky jewels, and killer shoes--so much of which is probably already in your closet!

FC: What are your goals for the future?
CS: I plan to begin designing as well as continuing my career as a stylist where I can make a living doing what I love.

FC: If you could have dinner with anyone in fashion history, who would it be with and what's the first thing you would say to them?
CS: Bjork. I loved the swan!

Check out the photos below to see Cassey on the set of the TeenPROM Magazine cover shoot with actress Shenae Grimes.

 

 

 
Photography | Mario Chavez

 

--Gigi Hooghkirk

Style Scoop Interview: Michelle Liu

Name: Michelle Liu aka Micki Liu

Major/Grad Year: Film & TV Costume Design 2004; Fashion Design 2003

Campus: Los Angeles

Hometown: Beijing, China

Current Employer: Bandersnatch Productions

Job title: Motion Capture Key Costumer for Alice in Wonderland directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway.

What do you love about Costume Design? The ability to use talent to create characters with the right costumes rather than just dressing actors with trendy, high-end boutique clothes.

How did you hear about FIDM and why did you choose to attend? I was taking a sewing class for fun and my teacher, who was also an instructor at FIDM, invited me to a lecture. As soon as I walked into the lobby of FIDM I could sense the feeling of creativity and knew that this was where i could acquire the knowledge and develop the skills to achieve my dream.

How did you choose your majors? As a child I had an interest in fashion, however, my family members were not involved in creative fields. I had never taken art classes in China and had no experience in drawing, but after attending that seminar at FIDM, I decided to pursue my dream. After completing the Fashion Design Program, I worked for several companies, including Forever 21. My former instructor suggested that I should consider applying for the Film & TV Costume Design Advanced Program. I was accepted and received a FIDM Merit Scholarship.

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far? Following my dream and doing what I love. Also, seeing my name and another classmate Jessica DiMartino's name in Apparel News when our designs from the Program were showcased at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in 2005.

What's your biggest dream right now? Getting into the Designer's Guild. When I reach a level of recognition I can officially thank all of the people who encouraged, inspired, and helped me to accomplish my dream.

What was your favorite thing about going to FIDM? Professional instructors teaching in a modern environment and knowing that I could develop my potential at a school with a great reputation in the industry.

What would you tell a FIDM student who wants to do what you do? Be prepared to work long hours since costumers are often the first on set and the last to leave. You will need a lot of self discipline, be a team player, and work hard to succeed. The involvement in creating characters and assisting the directors to achieve their vision is the reward you will receive when you are passionate and put your heart into your profession.

What can we expect with Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland? Tim Burton (shown below) is a very talented director with a great personality and a joy to work with. He used amazing and advanced Motion Capture technology on this film. The Costume Designer, Colleen Atwood, created fabulous period costumes. I can’t  wait to see it on the big screen.

What about Avatar, the 3-D film you worked on with James Cameron? It was an amazing experience to work with James Cameron. This film was like his baby and he was very hands-on and wanted to make everything perfect. There were no compromises and he would do whatever it takes. He worked long hours like the rest of us and I once told him I admired his vision, perfection, and energy.

Did you imagine you'd be working with two of the biggest directors on earth? As a first generation immigrant I never imagined that the door would open for me in the entertainment industry. I have been blessed to have the opportunities to work with such great directors as Steven Spielberg on Tintin, James Cameron on Avatar, and Tim Burton on Alice In Wonderland.

How has FIDM played a role in your success? It was Ms. Sultanian’s phone call, my instructors Mary Kay Stolz, Susan Nininger, and Joanna Dendel, and other professionals from the industry who gave me the ambition and knowledge needed to fulfill my dream. I simply can not thank them enough, and also the staff at FIDM for their help and support. -- Victoria

Career Girl Answers: How To Become A Top-Notch Fashion Writer (With FIDM's Help!)

Dear Career Girl:

I love fashion and I love writing, therefore I would LOVE to have a job writing for a fashion magazine.

In order to pursue that career, what school should I go to? And what should I major in?

Camerynn 

Career Girl Answers:

Dear Camerynn:

Writing for a fashion mag or being a Fashion Editor seems the job everyone wants these days.

A really creative way to do it would be to attend FIDM for two years and get your Associates of Arts degree in a fashion-related subject, such as Merchandise Marketing, Visual Communications, or any one of FIDM's many fashion-related majors.

Then you would have great familiarity with the fashion industry and really understand how it works.

There’s much insider knowledge to be gained at a specialized fashion college such as FIDM!

Then you might want to transfer to a college that has a Journalism or English program and finish up your Bachelor’s of Arts degree in a writing-related major.

That would qualify you to write or work for a magazine.

Then you would have background in both fashion and writing, something that others competing for the same career opportunities wouldn’t have.

To employers, you would be a fashion/writing gem!

While you are at FIDM you could write for FIDM’s The Mode campus magazine, and when you were studying Journalism or English, you could contribute fashion articles to the school paper.

FIDM has arrangements with many schools so that FIDM units will transfer to various four-year colleges, which means you won’t have to take classes over again and you’ll have extraordinary fashion insights under your belt as well, something of which other Journalism students could only dream.

Keep FIDM in mind for your specialized fashion Associates Degree!

Fashionably,

Career Girl

Will Michelle Choose Monique?

Women's Wear Daily has assembled a wonderful gallery of designer sketches for Michelle Obama to consider for inauguration night.

FIDM Alumni Monique Lhuillier is one of the illustrious designers up for consideration. Other designers that Mrs. Obama will have to choose from include Karl Lagerfeld, Diane Von Furstenberg, Peter Som, Zac Posen and Christian Lacroix, among others.

We think Monique's red show stopper gown would be perfect for the big night! Which one do you like best?

The Great Outdoors

Lovers of the outdoors can’t get enough of Apparel Manufacturing Grad Alan Liu's Westcomb Outerwear! Known for high-tech and high-style outerwear for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, and more, Westcomb has become an industry leader. “It has always been my goal to create a line that was extremely technical yet progressively styled and versatile,” says Alan, an avid snowboarder who takes advantage of British Columbia’s incredible mountains. “My mandate is to use materials from the industry's recognized innovators, and manufacturing processes that allow our products to have a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is unrivaled.” The men’s and women’s line features everything from high-tech hoodies to cargo pants with lumbar support. That's Alan on the slopes in Westcomb gear! -- Victoria

Life After FIDM: The Jana Garvin Chronicles, Part 1

In our latest feature, we follow the real-life adventures of recent FIDM Visual Communications Grad Jana Garvin as she sets out to conquer the vibrant, fast-paced world of fashion.--Kim

WHO'S THAT GIRL?
A Visual Communications Alumna, Jana just graduated in June as Valedictorian of her class, speaking in front of over 12,000 people at the FIDM Graduation Ceremony at the Staples Center! (Watch a clip with highlights from the 2008 Graduation Ceremony here.)

WHEN IN ROME
I first met Jana on the FIDM Study Tour to Italy, London, and Paris. We met with professionals at top companies, toured museums and artisan workshops, and immersed ourselves in art, architecture, and fashion. (Find out more about that trip here.)

A FAIRYTALE JOB
The Fashion Club team recruited Jana to lead a team of fellow Vis Comm Students as they assisted on our annual Fall Fashion Photo Shoot. They were tasked with conceptualizing and building some AMAZING sets, including the brilliant Alice in Wonderland-themed background shown here!

WANTED: DREAM CAREER!
After graduation, Jana packed up her things and headed for New York City where she's pounding the pavement in an effort to land her dream job: A position with fashion industry Creative Director Fabien Baron (of Baron-Baron).

THE INTERVIEW
Fashion Club: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Jana: I grew up in Denver, CO where my Mom was a fashion model for YSL before I was born and my Dad was a photographer. I feel that I am 100% a mix of both of their skills. (Pictured at right: a composite portrait by Jana of Jana's mom then and now.)

Fashion Club: Did you always crave a creative career?

Jana: I initially fell in love with photography, fashion photography in particular, in high school. In 2002 when I graduated high school, I almost went to an art school for college. However, at the last minute I realized two things, if I didn't go to California for college I never would--because all I ever really wanted was to be in NYC--and two, I worried that if I went to art school I never would get the liberal arts knowledge that I craved.

So I moved to California for school where I studied photography and art history and earned my BA at USC. Through college I interned at various places like Interview Magazine, Adam Biesk Art Consulting, BS Photography, Imelda's Closet and assisted stylists like Annabel Tollman for Scarlett Johansson and Tracy Doyle for Ziyi Zhang. However, upon graduating from USC, I had no idea how the real world worked.

Fashion Club: What made you decide to apply to FIDM?

Jana: USC never taught me how to be business savvy. There was no way I could go to NYC yet. I didn't feel prepared at all, nor did I know specifically what I wanted to do. I just knew what I didn't want to do. I enrolled at FIDM, where in one year's time I would get a professional degree in Visual Communications and I knew I would be able to refine my skills and hopefully make up my mind about what I wanted to do for a career.

That year proved to be the most valuable time spent. I learned what I wanted, I got a lot of hands on experience, I met wonderful people and had the time of my life. Halfway through my fourth and final quarter I knew I had the skills I needed and was prepared mentally for my move to NYC.

In the next episode of The Jana Garvin Chronicles, find out what's happened since Jana moved to NYC this summer!