Merchandise Product Development

Bryna Hubbs - Graduate
FIDM Merchandise Product Development Program
Handbag Designer, Bryna Nicole

Because I knew why I was at FIDM and what I wanted to learn, I was able to pull from the program the elements that I needed to succeed in the industry."

Bryna Hubbs is the Owner/Designer of her self–named leather handbag company, Bryna Nicole, that’s causing a stir on both coasts.

Why did you want to study at FIDM?
”The opportunity to develop my creative side intrigued me. Once I decided that I wanted to start my own line, it seemed like a natural step to go to school for a year to learn in more detail about the fashion industry.“

What do you love about your job?
“I love designing. It’s the biggest reward when I’ve been working on a design for weeks, and it comes to me in leather form and it’s perfectly how I envisioned it to be. I also love having to keep up with market trends and fashion news. It’s not a bad deal to have to read WWD and Vogue for work.”

How do you apply what you learned at FIDM?
“Obviously FIDM taught me to draw and to sew and to make a pattern, but I also took a Branding class that has helped me approach creating my own brand and getting my name out there in a more knowledgeable way. I took a Marketing class that has helped me define the desired demographic and to efficiently target it.”

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

Michelle Estrick - Graduate
FIDM Merchandise Product Development Program
Merchandiser/Design Assistant for Roxy Swim

As a Merchandising/Design Assistant at surf- and skate-wear company Quiksilver, this snowboarder and a sometimes-surfer has a found a place where the atmosphere is casual and she's able to wear shorts to work.

How has your degree helped your career?
"I feel that FIDM really helped prepare me for the industry. It gave me a really good overview of the different areas in apparel (patternmaking, sourcing, textiles, line development, design), which helped me choose what area I was most interested in. I liked that all the classes were so specific to fashion."

What was your favorite class?
"Product Development. The company case study we used was Quiksilver, and I was really interested in the surf industry. The class teaches how to look at your target customer, scope out the trends, and develop your own line."

What do you love about your job?
"My favorite part of my job is being a part of the development of a product, and then visiting a retailer and seeing the product I helped work on in the store. It's like, 'Wow! I was part of that and I know everything that goes into it!' No day is ever the same!"

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

Genvieve Davis - Graduate
FIDM Merchandise Product Development Program
Creates products for Steve Madden

FIDM was always my dream school. There were no other options."

What is your future goal?
To design the next big "it" shoe!

What do you like most about your job?
My favorite part about my job is when a shoe I design gets an order and I'm able to see it online or in a store. Ialso love being able to travel to China.

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

Jenna Von Schlegel - Student
FIDM Merchandise Product Development Program

This was the perfect major for allowing me to express some of my individual creativity while still giving me knowledge in the business side of the industry."

Current Merchandise Product Development student Jenna Von Schlegel will graduate this year and enter the Business Management Program in 2010.

What has been your favorite class so far?
My Classification and Line Development course combines almost all the previous knowledge I have obtain in my time at FIDM in to one final portfolio. It allows me to use my forecasting skills as well as my artistic ability to help my team of designers create a cohesive line for the Nordstrom Savvy Department.

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM?
I have gained so much knowledge, not only how the fashion industry is run, but on how this world and its global market works in its entirety. I now feel confident in how to forecast and predict upcoming trends and what kinds of marketing and advertising strategies I must consider in order to not only start my own company but also how to successfully maintain it.

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

Talia Derksen - Graduate
FIDM Merchandise Product Development Program
Costume Designer

Merchandise Product Development Graduate Keeps Busy in Hollywood

Graduate Talia Derksen has found her niche in the entertainment industry. "I have recently been working steady in the costume department on films," says Talia, who was head costume designer on the upcoming film Bones, which is currently in consideration for the Sundance Film Festival. "I get to dig deep into every character and really get to know them. I love seeing the characters come to life."

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

Victoria Hunter - Faculty
FIDM Merchandise Product Development Instructor

Merchandise Product Development instructor Victoria Hunter is the founder of Hunter Publishing Corporation, a company that specializes in fashion education materials. After moving from the U.K. to Southern California thirteen years ago, she attended FIDM, completing the two-year Fashion Design program and winning Student of the Year. She was then awarded a full Bob Mackie Scholarship to FIDM's acclaimed oAdvanced Study Fashion Design program, which culminates in the DEBUT Runway Show. She worked for two children's clothing lines, Spunky Punk and Porky Pies, before launching her publishing company.

How does your experience in the industry help you as an instructor?
When I worked for Spunky Punk and Porky Pies, I had my hand in everything from design and sourcing to marketing and sales. I'm able to draw on this knowledge. In the process of writing and compiling fashion textbooks and materials, I'm able to hone my skills in clearly conveying various steps and techniques.

Describe a favorite class project.
My favorite project in the Classification & Line Development class is when students develop the theme they chose for their line. I like to think of the design process as being like a recipe, certain ingredients have to be included for it to work but the ‘secret ingredient' is the student's own ideas and interpretations.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at FIDM?
I get a real sense of pride in what I do. This comes from a combination of many things; from the friendship and support I receive from faculty and staff to the school's reputation in the industry. Of course, there is no better feeling than having a student tell you that you helped them in some way!

Do you have a teaching style or philosophy?
Yes, definitely. My style is to give very detailed instructions, clear directions, lots of samples, and inspirational fuel. I focus on the end result: the target customer, the portfolio piece, or whatever is needed, and always try to be a valuable resource to the students.

Victoria Hunter 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.