Visualize successfully collaborating with a friend on a line of clothing being worn by celebrities such as the Simpson sisters, Jessica and Ashlee; Hilary Duff; and Paris Hilton! That's the reality for FIDM grads Emily Kersman and Wells Butler, co-designers of Primp, which made its debut in 2004 to rave reviews from fashionistas both on and off-screen. Their line can be seen on Fox's "The Simple Life," MTV's "Newlyweds," and on red carpets. "It's so exciting," says Wells. "We designed our clothes with the entertainment industry in mind, because we know that entertainers like to be different. It's nice that we're getting positive reinforcement!"

Wells, who'd already earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Iowa, came for FIDM's one-year Professional Designation degree program in Fashion Design, but midway switched her major to Apparel Manufacturing Management. "When I talk to students who are deciding on what their focus is going to be," advises Wells, "I recommend Apparel Manufacturing Management for those who want to have their own clothing line someday." She goes on. "It gives you a lot of practical advice and knowledge. A lot of instructors either have or have had their own clothing lines."

Though the pair had a class together at FIDM, they actually first met through a client at Well's job at the hip Studio City boutique Dari. The FIDM Career Center had helped her obtain this job while she was still a student. "I was very fortunate to get a job there," says Wells. "It was my initiation into L.A. specialty stores."

Emily had been working as an esthetician, or skin care professional, at famed Burke Williams Spa in West Hollywood, having attended esthetics school while she earned her FIDM degree in Cosmetics & Fragrance Merchandising (now called Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing). "We met at the right time. We were both ready to start something new. Fashion brought us together!"

Now they co-design four lines per year for Primp: spring, summer, fall, and holiday. As soon as one line is finished and shipped, the next line is starting! The lines include sweatshirts, skirts, and casual wear, and can be brought from day to night, according to Wells. The best part of what they're doing? "Making clothes that I want to wear," says Emily. "It's something I always dreamed of doing." For Wells, the best part of being an entrepreneur is that "you get to make your own decisions. And the best part of having your own clothing line is that you get to play dress-up and see your ideas come to fruition!"

Emily says of negotiating the fast-paced fashion industry, "Without the basic knowledge from FIDM, it would be hard. Going to FIDM gave me more drive." She credits FIDM's business and entrepreneurship classes with allowing her to combine her creative ability with a business sense. "It helped me build the skills I need to have a fashion business," she says.

"I like that there's a lot of hands-on knowledge that goes beyond theory, beyond textbooks," Emily continues. "We had a lot of projects to do, and I was able to tap into my creative ability." Wells adds, "FIDM has helped me in my career in an abundance of practical knowledge given to me by my instructors that I still draw from, from knowing how to do the flat sketching to negotiating with contractors." She goes on. "I loved the resources we had access to -- the trend-forecasting periodicals in the library!"

FIDM set them individually on the course to be fashion entrepreneurs, and when they got together, they knew they'd found the right combination. "We're both from the Midwest," says Emily. "We both have a lot of drive and we're both stubborn people, which helps. If you really want to do something, it helps to be stubborn!" With two such trend-savvy helmers as Wells and Emily, expect to see Primp popping up on more and more chic shelves. "Wells and I both want to have a Primp empire someday!" crows Emily. "Accessories, Primp perfume, Primp hotels, you name it!"