Pablo sits next to his sewing machine in an orange hoodie and brown baseball cap, in front of a rack of clothes.

Alumni

The Business of Denim Grad Pablo Alvarez Featured at New York Fashion Week

Pablo Alvarez's work in FIDM's The Business of Denim Program recently caught the eye of fellow grad and Introspective Innovations Fashion Week Founder Ayana Gordon, and she invited him to show an eight piece denim collection at New York Fashion Week on September 10, 2022. According to their website, Introspective Innovations Fashion Week is “an inclusive event geared towards forward-thinking undiscovered designers and creators who have novel innovations but seldom opportunity to participate or gain exposure at New York Fashion Week." Raised in Downey, California, Pablo Alvarez attended Downey High School before heading to FIDM. He pursued an A.A. in Fashion Design, which he finished in 2020, and an A.A., Advanced Study, in The Business of Denim, graduating earlier this year. We checked in with him to learn more.

denim designs by Pablo Alvarez worn by model outdoors

Your work was recently featured in New York Fashion Week. Congrats! How did that come about? I was contacted because of my Instagram posts that highlighted my three piece collection I created as a part of The Business of Denim Program at FIDM. They loved my three piece collection and wanted to see an extended seven look collection.

denim jacket by FIDM Grad Pablo Alvarez worn by model on the runway

What was the process of expanding your line like? It was a very difficult process. I was only allowed about 20 days to make those five looks which consisted of 2-3 garments each. I had to work day and night conceptualizing each design, washing, dying or fading the fabric I was using, then finally sewing everything together. It was the most challenging project I've ever designed, but at the end of it all, seeing my whole eight piece collection walk down a runway made it all worth it.

denim designs by Pablo Alvarez worn by models on runway at New York Fashion Week

How did FIDM help prepare you for your career? As a designer, there are a lot of obstacles in starting a new clothing brand. I have learned how to create a garment from an idea, to tech pack, all the way to a physical sample ready to be put into production.

What advice do you have for current FIDM students? The biggest lesson I learned at FIDM is "you get what you put in.” FIDM gave me the resources, classes, and skills to be successful, but I advanced my skills and knowledge the most by doing every special project course I could. With these courses I was able to meet and work with many accomplished companies including Guess, Levi’s, CottonWorks, Uniqlo, and others.

Explore Pablo’s work on Instagram @pabloalva______ and @discomfort______.

Categories: Fashion Design The Business of Denim Alumni