Just Accepted Merchandise Marketing Student is Miss Teen Virginia

Name: Merissa Pence

Age: 17

FIDM Major: Merchandise Marketing

Campus & Start Date: Los Angeles, Fall 2011

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Admissions Advisor: Shelia Lang

About me: I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I have been a competitive cheerleader for eight years and a high school sideline cheerleader for all four years of high school. I became involved in pageants and won my first title in 2009, representing Miss Teen Coastal Virginia, which excelled me to Miss Teen Virginia. I recently won Miss Teen Virginia and will represent Virginia at Nationals in July in Orlando, Florida.

I created an organization, K.I.S.S.(Keeping Infants Sleeping Safely), to inform young teen babysitters about the precautions that need to be taken when watching a young child to help prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). I have been an active model for two years in Virginia Beach and plan to pursue a career in modeling. I have played many director roles at Kellam High School. I was the fashion director for our annual fashion show and Hurley's "Walk the Walk."

How did you discover FIDM? One of my best friends, Kaleigh Tharrington, was accepted currently attends FIDM. I kept getting postcards and brochures sent to my house from FIDM, and I questioned Kaleigh about this and she told me she had passed my name along to her advisor! I became really interested in Fashion Design College and began the steps for admission. I chose FIDM because I am very interested in the fashion industry and have had a passion for fashion ever since I was little! The location in California fit me the best because I want to discover new experiences and it's a lot like home with the beach and the city at the same time.

How did you pick the major and why? This is a major that you can really do anything with and I am still trying to finalize my career ambition which is to become a fashion production manager.

What are you most excited to learn about at FIDM? I am excited to learn more about fashion and the history behind the fashion trends of today.

What do you expect to gain at FIDM? I would like to meet new people and gain knowledge in fashion production.  

What are your goals/dreams for the future? My dream job is to become a model for Victoria's Secret. I have dreamed of this job ever since I started watching their annual fashion show. This show really inspired me, seeing how much fun the girls were having and their true personalities showed me how much fun this job could be, even though it is a lot of hard work. Then I'd like to begin my career in fashion production and hopefully produce a Victoria's Secret fashion show one day!

Missa's Monday Match: Inspiration Rihanna

Brought to you by future student of FIDM's Fashion Design School, Maryssa "Missa" Stumpf of Missa by Design, Monday Match is your best source for red carpet styles at amazing prices!

This week we're featuring renowned singer, spokesmodel, and philanthropist, Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty. Known for such hits as "Pon de Replay," "SOS," "Umbrella," and "Disturbia," Rihanna is one of music's hottest young acts, generating sales of over 12 million albums in just four short years. A well-known native of Barbados, Rihanna is also a popular style icon, earning recognition from publications such as Glamour and People Magazine.

Enjoy!

--Alaythia

Missa's Monday Match: Inspiration Victoria Beckham

Brought to you by future student of FIDM's Fashion Design School, Maryssa "Missa" Stumpf of Missa by Design, Monday Match is your best source for stylish looks at fabulous prices!

This week we're featuring singer, author, fashion designer, and internationally-known style icon, Victoria Beckham. Rocketing to fame as a member of acclaimed supergroup, Spice Girls, Beckham is widely known under the stage name of Posh Spice. Wife of star soccer player. David Beckham, Victoria Beckham has flourished under the constant media attention, using it to pen a wildly-successful autobiography, launch a perfume line, and create five successful documentaries. Winner of Glamour Magazine's Woman of the Year award, Beckham is preparing to show a collection of clothing at New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in February.

Happy Birthday Chanel Iman!

Chanel Iman is 20 years old today and everyone here at Fashion Club is sending her wishes for the best birthday ever!

Over the last several years, Chanel has worked her way to the top of the modeling charts. She has come a long way since her first modeling assignments on Teen and TeenPROM magazines.

Photo | TeenPROM

She has graced the covers of Vogue and walked the runways for the biggest labels in fashion. There are 757 images of her on style.com alone!

Here's to another year of Chanel making fashion history!!

—Gigi Hooghkirk

Missa's Monday Match: Inspiration Dita Von Teese

Brought to you by future student of FIDM's Fashion Design School, Maryssa "Missa" Stumpf of Missa by Design, Monday Match is your trusted source for celebrity looks at fantastic prices!

This week we're featuring burlesque artist, model, and actress, Dita Von Teese. Born in Rochester, Michigan, Von Teese is a trained costume designer who is known to design her own photo shoots. An advocate of retro styling, Von Teese's look closely resembles that of 50's era stars, including Bettie Page and Betty Grable. A popular style icon and frequent VIP guest at fashion shows, Von Teese has appeared on behalf of Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and Heatherette.

Enjoy!

--Alaythia

Missa's Monday Match: Inspiration Annalynne McCord

Brought to you by future student of FIDM's Fashion Design School, Maryssa "Missa" Stumpf of Missa by Design, Monday Match is your A-list source for red carpet looks at unbelievable prices!

This we're featuring actress and former model, Annalynne McCord. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, 22 year old McCord stars as Naomi Clark on CW's hit teen drama, 90210. Attending a party on Rodeo Drive recently, this Teen Choice Award nominee made a splash with a flirty red cocktail dress and peep-toe heels. 

Enjoy!

--Alaythia

London Calling: Fashion News from Across the Pond

We are excited to include the fashion observations of Grace A. to Fashion Club Daily. Grace is an adorable high school fashionista from one of the chicest cities in the world, London! She will be writing about her favorite subject from her home town. Take it away, Grace!



I went to see an exhibit in London called SHOWstudio. It was a collection of works from the SHOWstudio fashion website created by fashion photographer Nick Knight. It included collaborations with Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and advertising campaigns for brands such as Christian Dior, Lancome, Swarovski, and Yves Saint Laurent.

The show was loaded with creative and interesting pieces and it was really interactive. In the first room, you can design clothing for a giant statue of Naomi Campbell from a computer touch screen. You can even book tickets to see a live fashion photo-shoot. I spent over 2 hours there! It was amazing and I recommend it to everyone - whether you are interested in fashion or not. --Grace

Missa's Monday Match: Inspiration Frieda Pinto

Brought to you by future student of FIDM's Fashion Design School, Maryssa "Missa" Stumpf of Missa by Design, Monday Match is your best source for celebrity looks at the season's hottest prices!

This week, we're featuring award-winning actress and model, Frieda Pinto. Star of the hit film, Slumdog Millionaire, Pinto is currently a celebrity spokesmodel for L'oreal Paris. A style icon who has been named to People Magazine's lists for the "Most Beautiful People" and "Best Dressed Women," Pinto most recently appeared in Paris for the debut of Louis Vuitton's Spring 2010 collection.

Enjoy!

--Alaythia

FIDM Designed "Power of Pink" Dresses on eBay to Benefit Breast Cancer!

We told you about the amazing House of Dreams Model Search event that took place On the Park at FIDM Los Angeles. In addition to strutting plus size retailer Torrid's hottest fashions, the seven winners showed off couture creations from FIDM Fashion Design students!

Now you visit eBay and bid on these one-of-a-kind "Power of Pink" dresses. The best part? All proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

View all seven dresses here!

Photos from 8th Annual Fashion for the Cure

Here are some photos from the 8th Annual Los Angeles County Affiliate Susan G. Komen Fashion for the Cure Benefit featuring the Diane von Furstenberg Collection.

Many were inspired by not only the colorful and delightful dresses and bathing suits from the DVF Cruise/Pre-Spring Collection shown at Smashbox studios in West Hollywood, but they were also inspired by those models who had fought the fight against cancer... and won. Many stood to give a standing ovation to those who definitely deserved to walk that runway.

Celebrities and fashion moguls all over Los Angeles gathered to place bids on silent auction items such as Hudson Jean, and splendid hotel get-aways. The auction was successful in raising money in order to find a cure for cancer.

    ~ Arali

"Breast cancer knows no boundary, be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location," Susan G. Komen for the Cure.