Apparel Manufacturing Management Alumna Kristine Patio ’07 Has a Major Manufacturing Career at Seven For All Mankind!
Raised in San Diego, Kristine Patio ’07 attended UC San Diego and graduated with a degree in biology before arriving at FIDM. “I was studying to be a doctor, but realized that my happiness was not there and that my ultimate passion was in business and fashion,” she explains. “I’ve always been into fashion, photography, and anything creative and felt I had a knack for it so I found FIDM.” Kristine chose the Apparel Manufacturing Management Professional Designation Program because she wanted to learn about the business end of the industry. “It teaches you everything from product development and technical sketching to the more business-oriented classes like fashion marketing and costing,” she says.
Currently the Assistant Merchandiser for the Women’s Division at 7 For All Mankind, Kristine is responsible for merchandising Women’s denim and sportswear. “As a merchandiser you are like a hub of communication, ensuring that sales, retail, planning, production, and design are all in the loop from the development of the product to the actual execution,” she says. “We work closely with sales and marketing to make sure that our brand’s vision is always reflected in our product.” She also works closely with costing, production, and planning and helps to oversee projects like exclusives for Nordstrom, Barney’s, and Bloomingdale’s.
“FIDM has prepared me so much by offering classes that are very specific to the fashion industry with teachers who have vast experiences in their fields and more than willing to share them,” explains Kristine, who interned for Ezekiel and Billabong prior to working for the denim giant. Upon graduation, she went on to win the AAFA award for excellence and achievement. “7 For All Mankind is the top premium denim company and we strive everyday to make premium product,” says Kristine, who works in L.A. during the week and chills out in San Diego on weekends. “I love that I get to be part of the business side of fashion but concurrently get to see the creative side and watch our product develop from the ground up.”
MyShape CEO and Textile Design Alumna Louise Wannier '04
is Shaping Fashion!
Textile Design alumna Louise Wannier '04, a busy professional who didn't always have time to shop, was frustrated that her broader hips didn't always work with the styles that were in stores. So in 2004, she launched MyShape, a company dedicated to providing clothes that fit well and flatter unique body shapes. "A portion of the women who shop with us are those who hated to try on clothes and thought shopping was a hassle, but it turned out that MyShape was for all kinds of women," says Louise, who is based in Glendale, California and recently moved to a new 30,000 square foot headquarters.
The online shop, MyShape.com, offers customers their own Personal Shop, where clothing is matched to their measurements, body shape, and preferences – making online shopping a breeze. As the CEO of MyShape, Louise sets the vision and strategy of the company, hires the right people, and constantly communicates and evolves with her team. "We dress to project an aspect of ourselves," she explains. "There is a deep emotional connection that women have with clothes and the service we're providing is so rewarding to me. I love reading the emails from our customers." Carrying dresses, jeans, sweaters, tops, accessories, and tees, MyShape.com also addresses the needs of petites and plus size customers.
Louise, who has founded and built four companies, has a MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA and a B.S. from Caltech. She came to the Textile Design Professional Designation Program at FIDM simply for a "life break" so that she could learn how to draw and design textiles. In fact, two grads from Louise's program, Sarah Gray and Rebecca Rueth, helped her execute MyShape after she dreamed it up in Technical Sketching class. "I wanted to do something fun and the year at FIDM was fabulous," she says. "But I never expected that I would launch a new company from my time at FIDM!"
Louise is interested in working with established designers who may be interested in designing collections for MyShape. Email ljw@myshape.com for more information!
Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Alumna Morgan Kaptain ’04 Has an Exciting Career at DayNa Decker!
Textile Design alumna Louise Wannier '04, a busy professional who didn't always have time to shop, was frustrated that her broader hips didn't always work with the styles that were in stores. So in 2004, she launched MyShape, a company dedicated to providing clothes that fit well and flatter unique body shapes. "A portion of the women who shop with us are those who hated to try on clothes and thought shopping was a hassle, but it turned out that MyShape was for all kinds of women," says Louise, who is based in Glendale, California and recently moved to a new 30,000 square foot headquarters.
The online shop, MyShape.com, offers customers their own Personal Shop, where clothing is matched to their measurements, body shape, and preferences – making online shopping a breeze. As the CEO of MyShape, Louise sets the vision and strategy of the company, hires the right people, and constantly communicates and evolves with her team. "We dress to project an aspect of ourselves," she explains. "There is a deep emotional connection that women have with clothes and the service we're providing is so rewarding to me. I love reading the emails from our customers." Carrying dresses, jeans, sweaters, tops, accessories, and tees, MyShape.com also addresses the needs of petites and plus size customers.
Louise, who has founded and built four companies, has a MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA and a B.S. from Caltech. She came to the Textile Design Professional Designation Program at FIDM simply for a "life break" so that she could learn how to draw and design textiles. In fact, two grads from Louise's program, Sarah Gray and Rebecca Rueth, helped her execute MyShape after she dreamed it up in Technical Sketching class. "I wanted to do something fun and the year at FIDM was fabulous," she says. "But I never expected that I would launch a new company from my time at FIDM!"
To learn more you can visit DayNa Decker by clicking here.
Graphic Design Alumna Sara T'Velil '03 Has Got It In the Bag!
"I knew I wanted to attend FIDM when I visited my best friend out here in Los Angeles," says designer Sara T'Velil, who was born in Kerala, India, but grew up in Chicago. "I visited the L.A. campus and knew immediately that I wanted to finish my design education out here." Sara already had completed an undergraduate degree in marketing and international business, but wanted to follow her true passion of design. While attending FIDM, Sara interned as a graphic designer at Frederick's of Hollywood and upon graduating, went to work for Pacific Sunwear as an accessory designer doing graphics, handbags and wallets, loungewear, and footwear. Sara eventually became the head accessory designer and worked with the company for a total of five years. "I obtained my first two positions via FIDM," she says. "I have found that employers generally respond well to seeing FIDM on one's resume."
For the last year, Sara has been lead designer at Essential Brands where she works on several divisions of the company including fashionable high end and moderate diaper bags, as well as a junior and toddler contemporary handbag line that was created for Neiman Marcus. "Every day is totally different, but I develop overall direction from concept to final proto samples, research and develop trends, color, materials, and shapes of handbags, globally source a wide range of raw materials, and communicate with factories, buying, and production tech teams," she explains. "The highlights of my job are designing good product, traveling, researching fashion for inspiration, and having a good team environment." In her free time she can be found reading, hiking shopping, and spending time with her fiancé, family and friends..
Fashion Design and Film & TV Costume Design Alumna Kristen Evenson '03 is the Designer of Swimwear Company Trunkettes!
For women who want to wear swim trunks to the pool and beach their only choice has been to don men’s styles. But thanks to Trunkettes, ladies can wear stylish shorts that are both functional and fashionable. "I have a wide range of responsibilities," explains Kristen, who also works as a costumer on shows such as CSI: NY and America’s Best Dance Crew. "I first sketch my designs and source new fabrics to present to my partners. I meet with my sample maker and she helps my designs come to life." She then goes over all the spec sheets and makes sure that all measurements are perfect before sending the garments to production. "I also meet with our sales reps and provide information such as look books, catalogs, and samples for them to take to all the major swimwear shows and surf expos," she adds. "I love that I have so much freedom with my creativity. I got to design our company logo and also different merchandise like pens, stickers, and t-shirts."
In addition to her design work for Trunkettes, Kristen gets to travel to promote the line and works with a strong group of businesswomen. "We have been received in the market place with great enthusiasm," she explains. "Since it's a new concept in women's swimwear, there has been a lot of interest and buzz about our products." Trunkettes has been featured in magazine and newspaper articles as well as television spots, which have helped the Sherman Oaks, California company get the word out and create excitement. "FIDM taught me how to utilize the endless amount of resources that surround the Los Angeles area," Kristen adds. "I use many of these helpful tips in my everyday life and I learned the best ways to source fabrics, trims, and manufacturers. I still keep in touch with other FIDM Alumni who are also living their dream!"
Raised in San Diego, Kristine Patio ’07 attended UC San Diego and graduated with a degree in biology before arriving at FIDM. “I was studying to be a doctor, but realized that my happiness was not there and that my ultimate passion was in business and fashion,” she explains. “I’ve always been into fashion, photography, and anything creative and felt I had a knack for it so I found FIDM.” Kristine chose the Apparel Manufacturing Management Professional Designation Program because she wanted to learn about the business end of the industry. “It teaches you everything from product development and technical sketching to the more business-oriented classes like fashion marketing and costing,” she says.
Textile Design alumna Louise Wannier '04, a busy professional who didn't always have time to shop, was frustrated that her broader hips didn't always work with the styles that were in stores. So in 2004, she launched MyShape, a company dedicated to providing clothes that fit well and flatter unique body shapes. "A portion of the women who shop with us are those who hated to try on clothes and thought shopping was a hassle, but it turned out that MyShape was for all kinds of women," says Louise, who is based in Glendale, California and recently moved to a new 30,000 square foot headquarters.
Textile Design alumna Louise Wannier '04, a busy professional who didn't always have time to shop, was frustrated that her broader hips didn't always work with the styles that were in stores. So in 2004, she launched MyShape, a company dedicated to providing clothes that fit well and flatter unique body shapes. "A portion of the women who shop with us are those who hated to try on clothes and thought shopping was a hassle, but it turned out that MyShape was for all kinds of women," says Louise, who is based in Glendale, California and recently moved to a new 30,000 square foot headquarters. 
"I knew I wanted to attend FIDM when I visited my best friend out here in Los Angeles," says designer Sara T'Velil, who was born in Kerala, India, but grew up in Chicago. "I visited the L.A. campus and knew immediately that I wanted to finish my design education out here." Sara already had completed an undergraduate degree in marketing and international business, but wanted to follow her true passion of design. While attending FIDM, Sara interned as a graphic designer at Frederick's of Hollywood and upon graduating, went to work for Pacific Sunwear as an accessory designer doing graphics, handbags and wallets, loungewear, and footwear. Sara eventually became the head accessory designer and worked with the company for a total of five years. "I obtained my first two positions via FIDM," she says. "I have found that employers generally respond well to seeing FIDM on one's resume."
For women who want to wear swim trunks to the pool and beach their only choice has been to don men’s styles. But thanks to Trunkettes, ladies can wear stylish shorts that are both functional and fashionable. "I have a wide range of responsibilities," explains Kristen, who also works as a costumer on shows such as CSI: NY and America’s Best Dance Crew. "I first sketch my designs and source new fabrics to present to my partners. I meet with my sample maker and she helps my designs come to life." She then goes over all the spec sheets and makes sure that all measurements are perfect before sending the garments to production. "I also meet with our sales reps and provide information such as look books, catalogs, and samples for them to take to all the major swimwear shows and surf expos," she adds. "I love that I have so much freedom with my creativity. I got to design our company logo and also different merchandise like pens, stickers, and t-shirts."
