Fashion Design
Profiles on Alumni, Faculty, and Students
Select a story below to read more about FIDM's talented and successful students, faculty, and Alumni in Fashion Design.
- Select a story …
Karen Kane - Graduate
FIDM Fashion Design Program
Fashion Designer
In 1979, Karen Kane and her husband Lonnie launched Karen Kane, Inc. out of their garage in Studio City, California. Over thirty years later, the brand is as strong as ever. Headquartered just outside of Downtown Los Angeles, in the city of Vernon, Karen Kane is sold in most major department stores and over 550 specialty boutiques across the country. Incredibly proud of her alma mater, Karen serves on the Advisory Board at FIDM, and generously offers The Karen Kane Scholarship, providing one student the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams in the fashion industry each year.
How did FIDM help prepare you for the career you have now?
Going to FIDM taught me the essential details about the fashion industry and gave me a foundation to start a company right after graduating from school. I already knew how to sew when I started at FIDM, but learning about design basics and pattern making were huge steps in preparing me for a career right out of school. Understanding those concepts made pursuing my dream a reality.
As one of FIDM's star alumni, why do you value the college and continue to stay in touch over the years?
When I attended FIDM, the school looked nothing like it does today. As an alumna, I find it truly inspiring that the school has grown into what it has become. Since FIDM gave me so much at the beginning of my career, I feel that it's important to stay connected and help students who may have the same doubts and fears I had when I was in school. Supporting the industry's next generation of rising talent is vital to our business' future. The future of fashion is reinvented at FIDM every day – and that's a legacy I'm very proud to be a part of.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Nancy Riegelman - Faculty
FIDM Fashion Design Instructor
Nancy Riegelman is a Fashion Illustrator, Exhibiting Artist and prominent FIDM Instructor. Her students have described her as extraordinary, inspiring, phenomenal, and amazingly talented. She has worked in Tokyo and Paris and as a fashion illustrator for Neiman Marcus, trend publications, and fashion designers, in addition to authoring several book included the widely-popular fashion illustration book, 9 Heads.
Fashion drawing is the essential
language that communicates our
design ideas."
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the disciplined use of materials to express ideas.
What makes FIDM so special?
FIDM's curriculum is designed with continuity. It's a path for students to progressively gain essential industry knowledge as they advance seamlessly from one level of study to the next.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at FIDM?
I think my students are remarkable. I respect the great effort they put forth to master good drawing technique. I want to instill a level of appreciation of aesthetics, discipline, and a love of design at its highest level.
Nancy Riegelman is an Outstanding Faculty Award winner, an award given by the student body to outstanding faculty members.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Pamella Protzel-Scott - Graduate
FIDM Fashion Design Program
Founder and Designer, Ella Moss
FIDM helped me to take the
first steps in becoming what I had
always dreamed of."
What Do You Like Most About Your Job?
Being constantly inspired season after season. Coming up with concepts and watching them come to life is truly rewarding.
Why FIDM?
The college is an amazing place to learn, share, and be inspired.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Nancy Riegelman - Faculty
FIDM Fashion Design Instructor
Nancy Riegelman is a Fashion Illustrator, Exhibiting Artist and prominent FIDM Instructor. Her students have described her as extraordinary, inspiring, phenomenal, and amazingly talented. She has worked in Tokyo and Paris and as a fashion illustrator for Neiman Marcus, trend publications, and fashion designers, in addition to authoring several book included the widely-popular fashion illustration book, 9 Heads.
Fashion drawing is the essential
language that communicates our
design ideas."
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the disciplined use of materials to express ideas.
What makes FIDM so special?
FIDM's curriculum is designed with continuity. It's a path for students to progressively gain essential industry knowledge as they advance seamlessly from one level of study to the next.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at FIDM?
I think my students are remarkable. I respect the great effort they put forth to master good drawing technique. I want to instill a level of appreciation of aesthetics, discipline, and a love of design at its highest level.
Nancy Riegelman is an Outstanding Faculty Award winner, an award given by the student body to outstanding faculty members.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Nick Verreos - Faculty
FIDM Fashion Design Program
Project Runway: Season 2 Contestant, TV Personality, FIDM Instructor
Popular FIDM Instructor Nick Verreos really knows how to relate to his Fashion Design students. Before becoming a Project Runway star and international celebrity, he was a Fashion Design student at the college where he teaches!
Outside the classroom, Nick finds time to write and blog for multiple publications from People to Frontiers magazine; act as a Fashion Commentator for NBC, E! Entertainment television, and TV Guide channel; and design his signature line, Nikolaki, sold exclusively in high-end boutiques around the country.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Kristina Stolting - Student
FIDM Fashion Design Program
FIDM Student Kristina Stolting is studying Fashion Design on the San Francisco campus and hopes to continue her studies by applying for the Film & TV Costume Design program at FIDM
Los Angeles.
"There are so many amazing resources that the school offers, I really recommend taking advantage of them! The Career Center set me up backstage as a dresser at my first fashion show and it was a great experience. Besides the career opportunities, you get to meet so many talented and passionate people every day; it really is an amazing community."
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
Bryan Kang - Graduate
FIDM Fashion Design Program
Originally from South Korea, FIDM Fashion Design Graduate Bryan Kang is now a U.S. citizen and the president of Rhapsody Clothing, Inc., based in downtown Los Angeles. The company has an in-house team of Designers, Patternmakers, and Overseas Researchers who collaborate to create the Rhapsody line of clothing, which is sold worldwide. House of Snoopy, Betty Boop, and OLIVIA are licensed properties of Rhapsody Studio, a subsidiary of Rhapsody Clothing, Inc.
How did FIDM help prepare you for where you are now?
FIDM opened my eyes to the fashion industry. The valuable learning experiences, excellent curriculum, and outstanding instructors at FIDM became my biggest assets as I launched Rhapsody Clothing.
What are your future plans for Rhapsody?
I plan to grow Rhapsody into a total fashion company, like ZARA and UNIQLO, controlling product development, production, and retail sales--the entire process from beginning to end.
What was your favorite class at FIDM?
My favorite class was Nancy Riegelman's Fashion Sketching for Design. Ms. Riegelman's artistic passion and vast experience deeply influenced my work.
How is FIDM viewed in the fashion industry?
FIDM is a very practical institution compared to other fashion schools. All programs are focused mainly on skills that allow students to begin working immediately after they graduate.
What advice would you give a Korean student who wants to study at FIDM?
There is a really great opportunity at FIDM to experience cultural interchange between Korean students and other students who are not familiar with Korean culture. The experience will be beneficial throughout their life.
Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.
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