Advanced Fashion Design

Monique Lhuillier - Graduate
FIDM Fashion Design Program
Fashion Designer

As soon as I received the FIDM catalog and video I started thinking 'this is for me!'"

From the red carpets of Hollywood to the biggest celebrity weddings, Monique Lhuillier has become a household name thanks to her beautiful bridal collections and ready-to-wear collection. Founded in 1996, Monique has expanded her company to include a tabletop and paper collection.

At FIDM, Monique learned more of the technical aspects of fashion. "I didn't know how to cut and sew before I came to FIDM," she explains. "I ran out to Sears and bought a Kenmore sewing machine and started." While studying, Monique knew she wanted to do wedding gowns, but wasn't sure if there was a market in the industry for her. "I didn't want to be in mass production," she says. "I wanted to be in the high-end."

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Kelli Martin - Graduate
FIDM Fashion Design Program
Project Runway: Season 5 Contestant, Fashion Designer

I like FIDM because I feel like
you learn a little bit of everything.
I feel like there's a lot of opportunity
[and] freedom to be creative here."

What did you do after graduation?

Walk us through the process from graduation to opening your store, Black Market.
In the third year program at FIDM, I had a class where we had to do a business plan. I figured I wanted to do a business plan for a clothing store. So basically I used that generic little business plan and started trying to figure out a way to execute it. The business plan was perfect, to be honest with you. The only thing I underestimated was the cost of advertising.

What's your motto? Not the motto for the store, but for Kelli Martin.

This quote has stuck with me my entire life: "If you find a job you truly love you'll never work a day in your life." And that's how I feel. I love what I do. If you are lucky enough to have something you love to do, it's technically not work, it's your passion.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.