FashionClub.com Daily

FIDM Street Style Daily

  Today Student Activities hosted a silent auction and candy buffet benefiting the Susan B. Komen Foundation. Students rocked pink for a good cause.

Emi, Heather, and Andrea | Merchandising Marketing

 

Katie | Fashion Design

Andrea | Merchandising Marketing

Casi and Medha | Fashion Design
 

Dyona | Visual Comunications & Kristen | Student Activities

Ribbon Made by Marjaneh | Merchandising Marketing

Carolyn | Visual Communications
(She's also on our Student Council Board!)

Jayna | Merchandise Product Development

Jerilyn | Fashion Design

 

Andrew | Fashion Design

 

 

Lina | Beauty Industry

-Candice

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

Interview: Just Accepted FIDM San Francisco Student Paula Newlands

Name: Paula Newlands

Age: 23

Hometown: Parkland, Florida

FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus:

Fall 2009

Merchandise Marketing

San Francisco Campus

Tell us a little about yourself: I was born in Brazil, raised in Florida, and moved to NY right out of high school to model. I did that full time for the past 5 years. I love it SO much and am so sad the economy decided to take its toll while I was on a roll. I moved to San Francisco last October and have been loving every minute of it! If I can't be in NYC then I'm glad I can be here.

Sites you must visit daily: shopbop.com, aldoshoes.com, bakershoes.com

Alexander Wang Resort 2009

Favorite Designer: Alexander Wang

Mary Kate Olsen with Fringe Handbag

Trend/item you're loving right now: FRINGE! (fringe scarves, fringe shoes, fringe bags!!), torn up jeans, boyfriend tees, and cardigans.

Who is your style icon and why? I don't really have a style icon. I flip through magazines, I see what's in and I throw my own mix into it. 

Christian Louboutin Shoes

What is your dream fashion purchase? a sexy pair of Christian Louboutin shoes

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? All of my (4) designer bags

You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary? NYC of course! SOHO and the Upper East side (5th, Madison and Lexington)

Kourtney Kardashian

If you could own the wardrobe of any film or TV character (past or present) whose would it be? Kourtney Kardashian, Lauren Conrad

The ultimate accessory is...  sexy pumps

How did you become aware of FIDM? Friends

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? Research and instinct

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? I was very excited! I had my mind set on FIDM for several months so once they told me I was in I was giddy for the whole rest of the day.

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? Learning the 'behind the scenes' of my favorite industry. My passion.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I hope to gain lots of knowledge on how to become a successful business woman in this crazy industry.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? I hope to become a buyer for a trendy, young, fun boutique. Either clothes or shoes will do just fine for me :)

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? If fashion is your passion then FIDM is the right place to be! I have heard so many good things about this school, from friends and from strangers. I know my expectations will be met! I can't WAIT to start.

Interview: Just Accepted FIDM San Francisco Student Christa Brown

Name: Christa Brown
Age: 19
Hometown: Danville, Ca

FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus:

October 2009

Merchandise Marketing

San Francisco Campus

Tell us a little about yourself: Ever since I was a young girl I have loved fashion. To have a career in fashion, whether it be buying for a store or just managing will be amazing. I am so excited to start FIDM. I know all of the classes will be so interesting and will help me learn all of the necessary knowledge for success in the fashion industry!

Sites you must visit daily: Style.com, Denimology.com, and Fashionclub.com!

  Marc Jacobs Spring 2009

Favorite Designer: I love Marc Jacobs. His designs present a classic and timeless aesthetic, always fit for the modern day, but representing a more vintage design.
 
Trend/item you're loving right now: Rocker chic. I can’t get enough of it!

Who is your style icon and why? My style icon would definitely be Lauren Conrad. Her style is so trendy but never over-done. She always looks so great no matter where she is!

Manolo Blahniks

What is your dream fashion purchase? I have always dreamt of buying a pair of Manolo Blahniks. All of the shoes are truly amazing!

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? This Elizabeth and James blouse I own. It is such a beautiful color and fits just right! I always get so many compliments when i wear it.

You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary? If I could pick one city to spend an afternoon of shopping in, it would most definitely be New York. I would spend most of my time shopping at the Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino stores because I absolutely adore all of those designers.

If you could own the wardrobe of any film or TV character (past or present) whose would it be? Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City. Her style is truly unique and different. She makes a statement with every outfit she wears.

The ultimate accessory is... A great clutch for any night out!

How did you become aware of FIDM? A manager of mine told me about it. She told me how she went there and loved every moment of it.

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? I went to a year of junior college and I still could not figure out the exact major for me. After hearing about FIDM from my manager, I went on the website. I saw what FIDM had to offer and absolutely fell in love!

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? I was so unbelievably excited and relieved. I had put so much effort into the entire applications process and I felt that it all had finally paid off.

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? I am so excited to meet all of the other classmates of mine. I’m sure I will meet a lot of great people who share the same passion as me!

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I expect to gain knowledge that will help me be successful in my career of choice, and gain lasting friendships.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? My ultimate career goal is to be a buyer or a manager of a leading fashion company!

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? If you feel that FIDM is the right choice for you, don’t hesitate to call an admissions advisor. They will help you with the whole process! FIDM is looking for those who truly want to make it in the fashion industry. If that’s you, then go for it!

Second Annual Jumpstart Your Dreams Contest Extended!

Attention all high school students! There's still time to enter FashionClub.com's Second Annual Jumpstart Your Dreams Contest!

We've extended the deadline for this amazing contest until Wednesday, September 30th! This is an amazing opportunity, and here's why!

While we have received a number of talented entries in the categories of fashion design and merchandise marketing, we currently have no entrants for the following categories:

 Future Digital Media Grad
 Future Interior Design Grad
 Future Graphic Design Grad
 Future Jewelry Design
 Future Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Grad

Why not check out the contest details here! Applicants in these areas have a better chance of winning, so what do you have to lose! Prizes for these categories include an amazing new camcorder, $150 Sephora shopping spree, and an incredible HD media player!

Good Luck!

--Alaythia

FIDM Proudly Announces National Scholarship Competition 2009 Winners!

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is proud to announce the winners of the National Scholarship Competition 2009!  

The National Scholarship Competition offers highly-qualified seniors and older graduates the opportunity to earn a full one-year scholarship to attend FIDM, California's premier fashion college.

The 2009 Scholarship recipients are as follows: 

Hillary Harper for Fashion Executive of Tomorrow
Maelee Lungren for Interior Designer of Tomorrow
Sarah Chiarot for Graphic Designer of Tomorrow
Nathan Braun for Fashion Designer of Tomorrow
Sarah Friesen for Visual Designer of Tomorrow

Congratulations to all the winners for outstanding work in their area of study. For more information including project guidelines for the all-new National Scholarship Competition 2010, click here!

--Alaythia

Knowledge is Power

    Many students who hope to one day launch their own company in the fashion industry are faced with questions about how best to succeed in the current economy.

    Why not learn the fundamental skills you'll need to make that future goal a reality? FIDM offers classes in each major that can help you learn the business side of fashion. Fashion Design offers The Business of Fashion, which helps examine the major business components in the fashion industry. Merchandise Marketing offers Situational Analysis, which helps in analyzing typical situations in the retail environment, including financial situations.

    Every bit of information can help in building your career and making your goals come to life. It's true that knowledge is power, so seek the best information out there. Don't fret about the current economy, find ways around it and strive for the best! After all, fashion never ceases to exist.

        - Arali

Fashion With A Cause

Have you heard of The Samburu Project? It's a nonprofit organization working towards providing clean drinking water and community empowerment for the Samburu District in Kenya. Pretty important work. Earlier this year Public Library came out with a line of tees to support the mission. It quickly became a celeb fav and tees have been seen on the likes of Beyonce, Jessica Alba, and Kristen Bell, to name a few.

Now Doe for Torrid is launching the first-ever plus size collection of fashion tees for the cause, available at torrid.com.

The Samburu Project has changed the lives of more than 20,000 men, women, and children since it began drilling its wells in 2006. By forming a partnership with Torrid and Doe, they are broadening their reach to include the plus-size market and increase awareness of this amazing cause.


--Gigi Hooghkirk

Style Scoop Interview: Elizabeth Leffler

 

In addition to running the popular Christie's Boutique in San Diego, Merchandise Marketing Alumna Elizabeth Leffler is also a Fashion Blogger for San Diego Magazine! We chatted with Elizabeth about her busy career and how FIDM played a role in her success!

Major/Grad Year/Campus: Merchandise Marketing, Class of 2007, San Diego Campus

Hometown: Collinsville, Illinois

Employer: Christie’s Boutique, a women's shop stocking designers such as Corey Lynn Calter, Hale Bob, Joe's Jeans, and Odd Molly.

Job Title and Description: Boutique Owner and Buyer/Creative Director and Fashion Blogger for San Diego Magazine. 

FC: What are the best parts of your job?
EL: Working one on one with my clients, helping them find the perfect fit for their body type, and seeing the smile on their faces when they love how they look. I also like the buying aspect probably just as much as I love the merchandising of my shop.

FC: Where do you seek inspiration?
EL: I am inspired by confident women and fashionable risk takers like my grandmother, who left me vintage drawings of cocktail dresses from the 1930’s.

FC: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
EL: Opening my boutique with my fiancée, having runway shows in my own store, having repeat and satisfied clients, and being the first Fashion Blogger for San Diego Magazine.

FC: What's a typical day like?
EL: A typical day starts out with a coffee of course! Then it's off to the shop to catch up on emails, receive new inventory for the store, steam it, and re-work the floor to keep it fresh. I change my window displays every other day to keep my customer in the know, even if she cannot pop in the shop.  Most days I have vendors coming into the store to show me new lines.  I am constantly planning events in my store so that is always a daily task: fliers, email blasts, connecting on line with networking groups. I write my blogs and then eat lunch. This is all done while attending to my clients.

FC: How did you find FIDM?
EL: I found FIDM in a magazine. I applied and then did not end up going because the timing was not right. Five years later I moved to San Diego and got in again!

FC: How did you choose your major?
EL: I knew I had no interest in sewing or designing my own line and I loved the business end of fashion so it was easy to decide on Merchandise Marketing.

FC: :What were your favorite things about FIDM?
EL: The staff and the students. I made amazing connections with the staff, who I still keep in contact and work with at times. I had no friends when I moved here and now some of my best friends I met at FIDM.

FC: What are your future goals?
EL: I want to create a stand out brand; one that is recognized and sought after. Until then I will continue to keep on working and building.

FC: What advice would you give to future FIDM Students?
EL: Stay focused on your dream. If you want something bad enough you will find a way to accomplish it. I had so many opportunities that I did not pass up. It really is who you know so never burn any bridges and always be open to learning. I would not be where I am without connections and all of my experiences adding up. FIDM is not easy, but it is well worth all the late night studying and hard work -- it DOES pay off!

Baacode: Trace Your Garment

Ever wonder the origins of your garment? Made in [said country] wasn't quite doing the trick for Icebreaker, the activewear company that's been described as the Patagonia of New Zealand. They wanted to take it further. They developed the Baacode, a unique system that allows you to trace your 100% merino wool garment back to the farm from which the wool came.

You can check out where the sheep live, meet the farmers, and follow every step of the supply chain. Talk about transparency.

It's also a great way to drive traffic baack to your web site. Food for marketing thought.

--Gigi Hooghkirk