Apparel Industry Management

Mel Grayson - Faculty
FIDM Apparel Industry Management Instructor

Instructor Mel Grayson has had an amazing 40 plus year career in the Fashion and Interior Design industry. As a Costume Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, and Interior Designer, he’s worked with an incredible number of film, television, and music celebrities from the inimitable Eartha Kitt to the cast of ‘80s television favorite A Different World. Currently Mel helps designers take their lines to the next level by advising them on merchandising and creative business practices. “I utilize all the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired and blend it into my teaching,’ he explained. Mel also manages the interior vignettes for Loft Appeal Marketplace at the L.A. Mart, which features antiques, collectibles, and even robots in their ultra-creative room settings, and he does set design for theatrical performances in Los Angeles.

What is a favorite class project?
It’s definitely my Dead Designer Bio project. It gets the students to delve down and find out about the real people who originally created the ideas and concepts that today’s designers are utilizing to produce contemporary fashion. The students are required to give a visual/oral presentation and it’s always an eye opening experience to see them blown away by the drive, dedication, and ingenuity of the past-without computers!

What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
I love teaching at FIDM because the atmosphere of learning is, for me, intoxicating. I’m paid to do homework; the teaching is free. I love it! And I think that love translates to my students. They know I care and want them to have the skill and dedication to succeed.

What is your approach to teaching?
It’s what I call “all in”–I’m 1000% committed to give each student all the knowledge I can over the 10-11 weeks of a class. I talk a lot, and in my class my motto is: “The only stupid question to ask is the one you don’t ask me. Ask anything.” If I don’t know, which I usually do; I’ll get the answer for you.

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

Linda Tang - Student
FIDM Apparel Industry Management Program

Tell us a little about yourself.
Growing up as the daughter of two dedicated entrepreneurs, I was inspired to start my own business-in high school I designed and sold a line of custom yoga pants and served on the Fashion Board at Nordstrom. In college, I established a credible, student-run entertainment and marketing company, TeamTME.com.

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you?
I have wanted to attend FIDM since I was 17, but decided to go to USC instead. After a year in sports marketing, I wasn't happy and decided to follow my calling... owning my own label of performance apparel. Being a part of FIDM and majoring in Apparel Industry Management is one of the vehicles that will help me attain my dream.

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

Vani Kumar - Graduate
FIDM Apparel Industry Management Program
Owner of The Suit Closet

Why FIDM?
I chose FIDM over FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) because I knew it would be the most practical for my future goals. I knew L.A. was the new 'it' place for trends and everything else fashion-related. I wanted to ride the wave.

What's a typical day like?
Each day may include being on the sales floor with my employees, reviewing inventory, making sure the books are up to date, analyzing marketing efforts, or writing checks to vendors. I like to be involved in every aspect of my company. What I love most about my job is that I make my customer's life easier, and that makes us both happy.

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

Rebecca Damavandi - Graduate
FIDM Apparel Industry Management Program
President of Licensing and Global Business Development for Elie Tahari

The most rewarding part of my
job is when the product line comes
out great and you see everyone
on the streets wearing Elie Tahari
and our diffusion line, Tahari."

After studying history and business at UCLA, Rebecca Damavandi chose to attend FIDM so that she could immerse herself in the fashion industry. Elie Tahari has a presence in more than 40 countries, and is sold at Saks, Bloomingdale's, and freestanding shops everywhere from Atlanta to Las Vegas. In addition to the main collections, the New York-based brand has 11 licensed product categories, all headed up by the FIDM Grad. Because Rebecca's job also encompasses all of the company's global expansion, she works with the varied partners around the globe in countries like Korea, Turkey, and Qatar to name a few.

What does your job entail?
"I deal with all of the licensees and licensed products all the way from product development to approving the line. I seek all of the partners, sign all of the license deals, and negotiate all of the terms."

How did FIDM help launch your career?
"In Apparel Manufacturing Management I first learned about licensing. It was a natural fit for me because I am both left- and right-brained. It works very well with my personality--you have to be able to multitask and juggle many things at once."

Sahar Hersel - Graduate
FIDM Apparel Industry Management Program
Founder of ZaZaZsu Label

Apparel Industry Management Graduate Sahar Hersel premiered her line ZaZaZsu during the Designer Launchpad Show at the California Market Center as mentioned in Apparel News.

What does ZaZaZsu mean?
The line is named for "that certain intangible something that makes you fall head-over-heels-in-love with someone." Sahar says it's the kind of love affair she has had with fashion since watching her mother slip into an evening gown as a five year-old girl.

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

Michael Abe - Graduate
FIDM Apparel Industry Management Program
Co-founder and designer of Issue Collection, featured in Women's Wear Daily

Apparel Industry Management and Business Management graduate Michael Abe is Creative Director and Co-Founder of the Issue Collection, featured in WWD. "Overnight successes are hardly realist, there's always a real history and story to a new brand's success," says the designer, whose first job after graduation was Assistant to the owner of Private Label Co. Now Michael's line is available in Eva in New York City, Dish in San Francisco, and Isetan in Japan.

Who is your typical customer?
She's a strong modern woman, someone who is starting to take risks with her wardrobe but not looking too over the top. She wears a fair amount of black or mostly neutral colors.

What did you learn at FIDM that still helps you today?
I learned not to dismiss any aspect of the industry and learn as many elements as I can, from pattern making and design conceptualizing to cost analysis.

What did you like most about attending FIDM?
The teachers are very supportive of the students' ideas.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Coming out of FIDM I felt like I knew everything, today I feel like I'm still trying to learn as much as possible.

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