Alumni
DEBUT Student Kai Erven Participates in Red Bull x FIDM Collab
Kai Erven graduated with her Apparel Industry Management degree and is continuing with the DEBUT program, earning her Advanced Fashion Design degree. She received second place for the gown she designed in Chairing Styles last year and has participated in numerous FIDM industry partnerships including Levi Strauss 501 Day, Cotton Inc.’s Game Changer, and the Guess sustainability course series. She was recently selected to participate in the Red Bull x FIDM partnership where she’ll be redesigning a 5-piece collection for the Wings Team in Los Angeles.
What aspect of the Red Bull challenge appeals to you the most? The fact that it was geared towards a product development major made it intriguing. I always want to challenge myself as a fashion designer and I figured hey another chance to try something I'm not used to. Red Bull is also such an amazing brand as well and this is not an opportunity that many people would have a chance to do so I am honored to have been given this opportunity.
What is the value of participating in FIDM’s industry partnerships? You know what the true value is exploring and finding out what you like, and what makes you happy. Being able to start thinking outside the box is something I valued from the Cotton Inc. Game Changer—it was such a fun challenge; I made great friends and I created a completely new product that I look forward to expanding on in the future. Making real industry connections is extremely important and I pushed myself to do that in the Guess Sustainability Course, where I also learned how to limit wastage during the pattern making process which I will use for my FIDM DEBUT collection. Levi’s was also exciting—I was able to collaborate and create a new innovative jean that was sold in the Levi's Santa Monica store. It was a really memorable experience for myself and my family. Also the scholarship money that is out there for these special projects are super helpful as well it's definitely an amazing plus.
Tell us a little about yourself: A bit about little old me, we'll I'm a proud new mommy, I had my baby girl Fae unexpectedly during the end of my first year at FIDM. I honestly feel once I had her it made me want to be a fashion designer even more than I already did, which is crazy. I feel this incredible drive to just kill it in the fashion industry and I didn't have that before, I call it momma confidence.
What went into your decision to do DEBUT: First of all I attended FIDM in hopes that I'd one day be apart of the top 10 for the DEBUT Runway program. So it was always a part of the pIan to apply. So I made sure to be a part of Chairing Styles and received second place for the gown I created so I knew being a part of this exciting program would help with my chances of getting into DEBUT. I also showed all of my garments from my collections class and basically hoped for the best. I'm still in a bit of shock that I actually got in, there are so many talented students at FIDM.
What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? My main career goal is to eventually have my own long lasting profitable fashion line but the type of apparel for it is still unknown at the moment and that's why I'm so happy I have some more time at school to still figure out who exactly I am as a designer. I feel I have an idea but at the moment I'm still completely unsure haha #gemini problems. Project Runway is also something I'm interested in and I definitely would love to work at Guess right after DEBUT so I'm trying to stay on their radar as best as I can since I'm the Guess Scholarship recipient. I have met so many Guess and Guess by Marciano designers now, and they all are so happy with their careers so I definitely would love to continue with the Guess family. FIDM is helping by having wonderful souls like Amanda Starling, Mr. Vasquez, Sara-Jane Owens, Blackshear and Montejano just to name drop a few haha and all the extremely helpful jolly gems in the Career Center who answer all of my odds and ends of questions. FIDM really does give you a great starting point to get out there in the industry.
Anything else you’d like to share? I would just like to say that these special programs really made an impact on my FIDM experience and definitely opened my eyes to different opportunities that are out there. Also if I can give any advice to new FIDM students—take the toughest and fiercest teachers at FIDM. That is the only way you are going to get what you want out of your FIDM education. Make it worth your time.
Follow my FIDM DEBUT journey on Instagram @kaierven.
Categories: Fashion Design Alumni Industry Partnerships Student
