FIDM Magazine

Fashion Design Alumna is an O.C.-Based Fashion Photographer

"Photography was a hobby of mine," explains Fashion Design Alumna Megan Crothers. "After graduating, I started incorporating what I had learned at FIDM into photos, and it eventually grew to doing full fashion shoots with my friends."

With Megan Jeanne Photography, this alumna captures emotion and beauty and tells stories through her photos. "My style has always been a little off-beat. I love finding unusual pieces at thrift stores and incorporating them into my wardrobe and photography," she adds.

In addition to evocative fashion shoots, Megan photographs weddings, babies, musicians, and portraiture. She likens photography to telling a story without writing a word.

IMPD Grad Continues Her Studies with Bachelor of Science Degree

Whidbey Island native Ariel Carroll just graduated from FIDM with a degree in International Manufacturing & Product Development (IMPD). She is continuing her studies at FIDM with plans to finish her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management by March 2013.

"This program was the best. I made so many connections and friendships, and gained so much knowledge that I can take with me throughout my educational journey and career path. My teachers have been absolutely amazing, and traveling to Europe and Hong Kong has given me a new perspective on research and manufacturing."

Read the entire interview on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily.

A Day in the Life of Fashion Star Stylist and FIDM Grad Daniel Musto

Visual Communications Alumnus Daniel Musto is only 26 years old, but he's already a stylist phenom whose latest project is styling the runway shows for contestants on the hit NBC TV show Fashion Star. In our latest interview, you'll get a peek at how this incredibly talented stylist launched his stellar career.

What is a typical day like?
1. Wake up after little sleep to a ton of emails from clients, my publicist, and my manager. Attempt to answer them with one eye open.
2. Text Mom to say good morning and tell her I love her.
3. Get ready quickly, because I never set my alarm with anticipation of all my morning emails.
4. Decide whether I want to be a sneakers guy or boots guy for the day.
5. Grab a Kombucha.
6. Hit the road, with my bluetooth ready for the car.
7. Take care of what I need to do for my clients: pulling, shopping, fittings, meetings, etc. Every day is different. One day I could be on set for 16 hours shooting Fashion Star for NBC. Another day I could be in and out of publicity meetings with magazines, blogs, and other media outlets. Other days I somehow do both.
7. Make sure I have met my deadlines for the articles I write daily and weekly for places like CocoPerez, HollywoodLife, Huffington Post, LadyPlusBaby, and more.... oh, and my critiques for UsWeekly's Fashion Police.
8. A few times a week I will attend an event for a media powerhouse like Nylon Magazine or UsWeekly. I walk the red carpet, get some photos taken, and than chat with all the rag-mags about what I think is hot right now.
9. Attempt to catch up on all the texts that have come in for my personal life, which is fun as I will typically have a cocktail in me from the event.
10. Crawl into bed, watch some Chelsea Lately on my DVR, and fall asleep... just to have nightmares about the stress of the following day!

How did you decide that FIDM was right for you?
Coming from the East Coast, I debated going to school in Manhattan, but realized that my love for the Entertainment Industry was as strong as my love for the Fashion Industry. I figured I would marry the two. They make a sexy couple.

How did you choose your major?
Well, at first I studied Fashion Design at FIDM. I went home in tears every day because I was all thumbs when it came to pattern-making and sewing. I met with an Advisor at FIDM (and a therapist) and decided to switch to Visual Communications. I felt much more at home there and was able to breathe easy, knowing that I was fully capable of excelling.

What sort of internships/work did you do while you were going to FIDM?
I interned as a dresser for a fashion show once for stylists Joey & T, when they had their clothing line. I also worked in the New Mart in a wholesale accessories showroom for an amazing boss, where I learned exactly how the merchandise finds its way into retail stores. It wasn't my passion, but I learned essential lessons during the eight months I spent there.

What was your first job after graduating?
Within six months of graduating I was dressing Paula Abdul for American Idol and other appearances, as well as consulting on her QVC jewelry line. It whipped me into shape REAL quick!

How has what you learned at FIDM prepared you for your career?
I think the most important thing I learned at FIDM was how to complete projects in groups made entirely of creative people. Most FIDM Students come from high schools where they stood out as one of few creative students. At FIDM, all the creatives are under the same roof. It is extremely important to "play well with others," especially other people like yourself.

If you could give any advice to students at FIDM, what would it be?
Help each other. No one makes it far in life by keeping things for themselves. Every time the universe gifts you an amazing opportunity, find a way to share it with others. Get jobs for your friends. Give advice to your coworkers. Introduce your peers to the amazing people you meet. The world works in your favor when you do favors for others.

Follow Daniel on Twitter at @DanielRMusto.

FIDM Student and Project Runway Hopeful is "Skip The Casting Line" Talent Search Winner

LookTV, in conjunction with Project Runway producers, recently held the first ever "Skip The Casting Line" Talent Search. Designers from all over the country were asked to submit videos of themselves and their designs for a chance of receiving a spot at the L.A. Closed Castings of Season 10 Project Runway. FIDM Fashion Design Student Blake Patterson was the lucky winner and hopes to be selected as a competitor on the show's 10th season!

View a short video of Blake with Nick Verreos below!

Nick Verreos has a full report on his blog.

 

GQ Names FIDM Grad's Denim Shop One of The 25 Best Men's Stores in the U.S.

Apparel Industry Management Graduate Matt Baldwin is behind the denim label Baldwin, which has a shop in Leawood, Kansas, and is carried across the country in stores such as Steven Alan, Nordstrom, and Barneys.

GQ says Baldwin is one of the 25 Best Men's Stores in America: "They make only a handful of gimmick-free cuts from primo selvage (and can customize from there)." George Clooney, Ellen DeGeneres, and Elijah Wood are all fans of the line, which is produced in L.A.

Read an interview with Matt in the Kansas City Star.

Alumna Launches J. Carpentier Women's Line at RVA Fashion Week

Alumna Jennifer Carpenter recently hit the runway with her first collection for the new women's line J. Carpentier at RVA Fashion Week, which showcases design talent in Richmond, Virginia.

"I had a great response and am in the process of working with manufacturers to produce my designs," says Jennifer, who has designed for Scala Eveningwear, BG Haute, and Ludus Athletics, where she was formerly vice president. "Everything seems to be falling right into place!"

 

CNN Features a Day in the Life of FIDM Grad Monique Lhuillier

CNN has launched a series of in-depth interviews with Monique Lhuillier, who majored in Fashion Design at FIDM. Lhuillier launched her self-titled company in 1996 with a bridal collection. After becoming a top American wedding dress designer, Lhuillier added ready-to-wear and evening-wear in 2001. She has attracted fans such as Kristen Stewart, Drew Barrymore, Hilary Swank, Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon, and Katie Holmes. There are Monique Lhuillier salons in Beverly Hills and Minneapolis. Watch the CNN interview 'Building the Monique Brand'.

Student Blogger Interviews FIDM Grad, Stylist & Photographer Curly V

Hey guys! I'm really excited to say that this post officially kicks off my start of blogging for FIDM! Some of you may or may not remember, but I blogged for three days about the Denim Tour. For my first post I thought it would be cool to interview a successful grad. The other day I was at a photoshoot and met the sweetest guy - Curly V. We got to talking and I ended up finding out that he went to FIDM! I always love to hear what graduated students are doing now and get advice from them, so I thought I would pass it along!

Name:

Curly V

What do you do? 

I am a designer and photographer.

What is a typical day like?

 Depends on how busy we are. We might be super busy and  I will be super stressed about heading downtown to buy 3 buttons. Or I could take my assistants to happy hour for dedicating so much time and energy to the cause that is--Curly-V. Or I could be super sweaty and nervous and heading to Nickelodeon studios to fit actresses. :) haha.

What's the best part of your job?

I would have to say that the best part is meeting tons of creative people who are all pushing for one thing--Beauty. When you're growing  up you think you are the only weird crazy one who thinks of crazy concepts and then you grow up, you meet folks that are ALL ABOUT IT--and want to create a common image. My favorite part will forever be all the creative energies out there. I am a sucker for a NICE PERSON with good energy--and GOOD IDEAS.

What was your first job when you graduated? 

My first job after graduating was probably at David LaChapelle's studio. I would do everything from getting his salad to buying groceries and watering his plants. I was there for a good minute and he ended up flying me out to NY for my VERY FIRST TIME for my 21st birthday. It was an amazing experience. I cleaned toilets--took out the trash--swept floors----but I also worked with Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilara, and other great artists.

Did you intern while you were a student at FIDM?

YES! I did! When I went to orientation, they told us we had to start interning by our 3rd quarter so that's what I did! No one would want me so I would keep calling and calling and calling and begging to be an intern. Finally I cornered a teacher who had her own company and told her, "Look, I'm getting a NOSE JOB two weeks from now---but once I heal-- I am ALL YOURS!" and that's where it began really.

If you could give any advice to students at FIDM, what would it be? 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SCHOOL. You are paying so much money to be a part of FIDM. Don't cut class, don't text, or be lazy. Be a part of your community. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. TALK TO EVERYONE--janitors, cashiers, classmates, teachers, homeless people in the courtyard--because you never know who will help you onto the next part of your journey. The Textile Manager in the library is the one who introduced me to Madonna's people--David LaChapelle's people--which led me to work for Jeremy Scott (Fashion GOD)--which then led me to move on and do my own thing.

Anything else you might want to say?

I'm not a rich kid,  don't come from money, don't come from a fashion background, never knew how to sew a straight seam and I PROMISE YOU I am NOT THE BEST....but my team and I are HUNGRY--and having HUNGER accounts for a lot.

Be HUNGRY. 

WANT your dreams---CARE ENOUGH for your dreams to not let go--and CARE ENOUGH for them to not give up. 

Understand that if you want it bad enough--it will come.

I've put collections together with 98 CENTS in my account and we end up in UK VOGUE. So follow you dreams.  

Oh and last, but NOT LEAST, be kind and ALWAYS say THANK YOU.

Thank you is probably one of the best things you could ever say to anyone--and it is ALWAYS appreciated. 

Hopefully this interview inspired you like it did for me!  

Check back for upcoming posts! 

-Janessa Landeen

@JanessaMarieL

Alumna is Founder of the Baby Brand Sugar Hiccup

Alumna Judy Sheeran, who has been sewing since the age of 11, is the founder of Biscuit Quilts and the new baby brand, Sugar Hiccup. She was just featured on the U.K. website The Upcoming.

You may visit Judy's Etsy store here.

Graduate Farbod Barsum and His Exotic Bags Featured on JustLuxe

Designer and FIDM Graduate Farbod Barsum, who has an eponymous shop on Melrose Place in Los Angeles, was recently featured on JustLuxe:

"Farbod Barsum's signature look is likened to wearable art, using the finest exotic skins and materials. The fine craftsmanship and attention to detail has earned Farbod Barsum attention that has likened his work to world-renowned designer Hermes."