Faculty

Instructor's Designs Featured in Vogue

Within months of graduating from London's Royal College of Art in the summer of 1968, Vogue featured Jim O’Connor’s designs from his graduation fashion show. He designed for labels such as Mr. Freedom and Wendy Watts, and was the creative force behind the fan zine and famed Melrose boutique, Poseur.

Do you have a particular style or philosophy about teaching?
Designing and making clothes is a unique art form.

I’ve always developed my designs by making my own patterns and sewing my own samples. I’ve been designing like this for many years and I like to share my experience to show students how they can develop their own design ideas by making lots of patterns and sewing lots of garments.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at FIDM?
Many years ago, I enjoyed being at art school where we were all obsessed with designing and making clothes; it was a very stimulating environment.

I enjoy teaching at FIDM because it makes me feel like I’m back at art school and it is easy for me to forget my age. I often don’t think of myself as a teacher. I feel more as though I’m another student who has been doing this stuff just a little longer.

Jim O’Connor 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.

Categories:  Fashion Design Faculty