Alumni

Grad's Unisex Brand Featured in NYLON, Forbes, and Refinery 29

Merchandise Product Development Graduate Rachel Grant (class of 2013) first conceptualized the idea for her L.A.-based luxury unisex line, Bad Decision Adventure Club, a few years ago. In June of this year, she officially launched the eco-friendly brand with co-founder Alyssa Gudino, and the brand is already creating a buzz with press mentions in Refinery 29, Forbes, NYLON, and Who What Wear. For every item sold, Bad Decision Adventure Club donates $5 to the Skid Row Housing Trust, a non-profit organization that helps the homeless in Los Angeles.

Rachel, who has worked in menswear doing everything from product development and buying to retail and styling, has been pattern making since age 10, but says that FIDM helped her learn a lot about textiles and branding. "I think that really set me and the brand up for success," she says. "Our fabrics are developed just for us and we are using hemp/organic cotton blends for most products. We, most importantly, are making everything unisex for everyone but still have that streetwear vibe happening. It's a new and hopefully growing category."

For any current students or fellow grads looking to start their own label, Rachel says to make sure you have a solid business plan, money, and "are tough enough to deal with the extreme highs and lows that come with owning a brand. I would recommending working for a brand and learning as much as you can before going out on your own--soak it all in." 

Categories:  Merchandise Product Development Alumni Careers