This month we're featuring exciting, new talent Jayme Coca! At 18 years of age, Jayme is a go-getter with an eye for fashion. Let's find out more about this unique student and her future plans at FIDM! --Alaythia
Name: Jayme Coca
Age: 18
City: Laguna Niguel, CA
URL: www.myspace.com/krazycoca
FIDM Start Date, Major, and Campus: Fall 2009, Visual Communications, Orange County
Tell us a little about yourself: I'm a senior in high school with a passion for fashion. My major is going to be Visual Communications because I am good at experimenting with different clothing and color combinations. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to design for the 2006 Environmental Resources Awareness Calendar. More recently, I had the honor of winning FIDM's Second Exclusive MySpace Contest: Color Creation. I am determined to get into the fashion industry and will not give up!
Sites you must visit daily: MySpace, Facebook, and FastWeb.
Favorite Designer: I have so many! I love Betsey Johnson's unique aesthetic, Versace's elegant dresses, and Kira Plastinina's trendy collections. I am also a huge fan of FIDM's Nick Verreos, because I think he's incredibly talented.
Trend/item you're loving right now: I'm loving True Religion's denim collection right now. I swear I've seen their looks on at least twenty different people! Above all, I love how there is so much diversity in denim, with regards to different gradients of washout and different stitching as it stands out on darker fabric.
Who is your style icon and why? My style icon would have to be Angelina Jolie. She is tough yet always looks gorgeous and feminine. I like the edgier side of many celebrities, in the way that their style seems limitless.
What is your dream fashion purchase? I absolutely adore the Turquoise Loyola Satchel designed by FIDM Grad Bryna Nicole Hubbs. It's an accessory that I would carry everyday and never let out of my sight. I think my other dream fashion purchase would have to be a Versace gown. They are always so exquisite and embody the term "fashionable."
What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? That would have to be my dark blue Dickies skinny leg jeans. They have the wide stitching that stands out on the fabric and they are super-comfortable. I wear them all the time and they go with any top.
You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary? My ultimate shopping-trip would take place in the awe-inspiring city of London, England. My ultimate day of shopping would start early in the morning with a stroll down Oxford Street, AKA "The Heart of London Shopping." After that, I would head towards Portobello Road, the world's largest antiques market. With 300 stores to choose from, I'd spend the rest of my day in the back of each and every store searching for those very special finds.
If you could own the wardrobe of any film or t.v. character whose would it be? That's a tough one. I'd have to choose Serena van der Woodsen played by Blake Lively from Gossip Girl or Brooke Davis played by Sophia Bush on One Tree Hill. Both of their characters have such great style. They are well-known for being trendy and fun.
The ultimate accessory is: A great handbag! I believe the right purse can transform a casual outfit into a dressy one, and make an outfit fun by adding a bit of color or flare.
How did you become aware of FIDM? I first learned about FIDM during my freshman year in high school. It began with an assignment to choose a specific career, and find a school that would help me pursue that career path. Choosing fashion design, I found FIDM to be my favorite of all the colleges I looked at.
How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? As soon as I walked on campus, I felt an immediate connection. There is a kind of creative ambiance that deeply permeates the entire campus. It is a place that embraces all types of thinking, and I instinctively felt the opportunity to demonstrate my creativity and expand my horizons. It just felt like the right place for me.
Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? I was ecstatic. I was speechless at first, and then I was happy and excited. It took all my strength not to jump up and down right there in the office. I waited until I was outside for that. In fact, I didn't quit smiling for the rest of the day. It was April 14th, 2009, a day I will never forget.
What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to being taught by a distinguished group of talented professors. I want to learn everything that I can and put it to use in the real world. All of the professors have experience and are willing to teach you all that they know. They are there to help you succeed in the fashion industry and that is exciting. I know it is not going to be easy but I don't mind working hard. In fact, I like to do my best on every project, and I know that I am going to enjoy the challenges FIDM throws my way.
What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I think I will gain knowledge as well as experience and confidence within my ability to be great in the fashion industry. FIDM is such an amazing school and I want to learn all it has to offer me.
What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? I have only read about some of the career opportunities that may await me after graduation, but I think I might be interested in becoming a fashion stylist or an exhibition designer. I plan to get a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management after I complete my Associates in Visual Communications. I believe that finishing these extensive courses will help me become better rounded and expand my career options after FIDM. I am the face of FIDM, and I look forward to representing my college in a positive light.
What should potential students do in high school to prepare for a future at FIDM? Join the High School FIDM Fashion Club at your school if one exists, and if it doesn't, start one! Also, use the projects you are doing for everyday classes as practice for what you'll be doing at FIDM later on. Whenever a teacher gives us an open prompt, I usually find some way to bring fashion into the mix. Working hard and putting everything you have into what you want to do in life is also important.
What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? It's important to always follow your dreams, no matter what anyone says.
