Alumni
Meranda Crosby Working as Costumer at Disneyland
Fashion Design Alumna Meranda Crosby is working in the Costume Department at Disneyland on the shows Frozen and Fantasmic, and has plans to start her own bridal line in the future. We caught up with this 2017 grad to find out more.
Tell us about what you do as a Costumer at Disneyland: In my department, we handle all of the daily costuming, working closely with the head costumers and all performers assisting them wherever we can. I currently work on the shows Frozen and Fantasmic.
What's it like to work there? It is a lot of fun! I get to work with some really cool people. While working in my department, you tend to see the same people every day, so you really grow close to each other. Of course the job has its challenges, but it’s a great feeling when you put so much work into something and then you see it complete in the park. When I was younger, I loved going to Disney and meeting all the princesses and watching the shows, and the fact that I am here today helping to create those moments for other kids is amazing.
Tell us a little about yourself: My dad was in the military, so I moved around a lot until he retired. After his 23 years of service, my family settled in Reno, NV. I am the only girl out of five kids. When I wasn’t roughing around with my brothers or at dance class (which I did all the way through high school), I was in my room playing dress up or sewing little clothes for my dolls. When I was about eleven, I watched a TV show on TLC called Say Yes to the Dress, and at that point I fell in love. I knew I wanted to be a designer and create gowns that brought joy to brides the same way I saw on TV. I didn’t develop a passion for costuming or even think it was even an option until I got to FIDM and started costuming student films with my friends.
What is your biggest goal right now? For now, my goal is to keep working at Disney and continue to move up in the costuming department. Also as a personal project with my original love of bridal, I am looking in the future to start an upcycle bridal line—so stay tuned for that.
Why did you choose FIDM? I never really considered any other school besides FIDM. I found FIDM when was in 8th grade and right when I saw it I knew I wanted to go there. At 17, I attended 3 Days of Fashion at the San Francisco Campus; shortly after, I applied and got early acceptance.
How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you are doing now? Of course, going to FIDM provided me with all of the technical skill sets like patterning, draping, CAD, etc. but, it really gave me confidence and provided with opportunities I would not have had if I hadn’t gone to the school. I am still learning and growing and always will be, but FIDM provided me with the base, so I can continue to grow.
Any advice for someone considering going to FIDM to study Fashion Design? The work and effort you put into FIDM is the work and effort you will get out of it, so go into everything with an open mind and trust yourself.
Anything else you’d like to share? FIDM was a great experience for me and I gained so much from it. I love what I am doing now but like I mentioned before I am still growing too. So if anyone ever wants to talk or wants to see what I am up to, you can find me on Instagram @Meranda.Crosby.
Categories: Fashion Design Alumni
