Footwear Design

Cherise Angelle and Nicole LaFave - Graduates
FIDM Footwear Design Program
Founders of luxury shoe line Omelle

I was raised with the belief that
I was capable of accomplishing any
task I put my mind to and all goals
are attainable; It just takes many
hours of hard work, dedication,
and perseverance."
-- Cherise Angelle

Omelle, the luxury shoe line created by FIDM Footwear Design Grads Cherise Angelle and Nicole LaFave, has become an overnight sensation. The shoes have been featured in prestigious publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Lucky and Women's Wear Daily. And celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sharon Stone have been snatching them up.

What sets Omelle apart:

Cherise and Nicole have incorporated details in their shoes that have never been seen before: metal insets sitting on stacked leather heels, velcroed shin guards sprouting from strappy sandals, and suede pouches attached to the laces. They even have a sense of humor, with the letters R and L embossed on the right and left shoes.

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

Kim Dingman - Graduate
FIDM Footwear Design Program
Co-founder of high-end footwear line Jen + Kim

FIDM Footwear Design Graduate Kim Dingman was recently profiled in Footwear News which featured the launch of Jen + Kim's customizable bridal footwear collection.

Why FIDM?

"I went to school in New York at a state school first and then to F.I.T. and received my Bachelor's in Merchandising and Management. While I was in school, I was fortunate enough to intern at both Harper's BAZAAR and then Ralph Lauren. What I learned from both of these experiences was that I wanted to be more creatively involved in whatever it was that I did.

At that exact same time, Jen [my business partner] had an idea for a shoe line. We started working together and I knew that I needed more experience. That's when I found FIDM. The Footwear Design Program is one of a kind. No other American college offers the same intensive curriculum as FIDM."

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