Alumni
Alumna Sarah Grace Smith is Asst Menswear Designer for Hybrid Apparel
Sarah Grace Smith graduated in June of last year with her degree in Merchandise Product Development. She now works at Hybrid Apparel as an Assistant Menswear Designer. Last year, a video of her seeing her idol, pro-surfer Kelly Slater, for the first time, went viral. Her goal is to one day move to Hawaii and open a shop.
Tell us a little about yourself: I was born and raised in small Texas town, population 7,637. I remember being around the age of seven or eight years old, and waking up to sketch models in clothes. To be honest, back then I never really thought much of it. Clothing was just something I thought was fun to draw as a kid. At age 15, I requested info from FIDM because I had a hunch that’s where I needed to end up. At age 22, I moved to Los Angeles and started that fall quarter. Now I live in Orange County, I’ve made incredible memories and new friendships with people from around the world, I love surfing when I make time for it, I’ve learned so much about the industry and at age 25, my only wish is that I never stop learning!
Where are you working? I currently work at Hybrid Apparel and I am an Assistant Menswear Designer. Some of the day to day tasks may include, but not be limited to, sharing creative thinking spaces with teammates and other departments through the collective discussion of ideas pertaining to colours, techniques, silhouettes, and art.
How do you feel FIDM prepared you? Speaking as a former student who knew absolutely nothing about the fashion industry, they had a hand in shaping me into the person I am today. From the faculty, to the homework, to the in-class assignments, FIDM gave me the foundation I needed in order to understand what it truly takes to be in this industry. My work ethic, ability to work alongside different personalities and confidence in myself would have never come to life if it hadn’t been for FIDM.
Any more traction from your video that went viral, the one of you seeing your idol Kelly Slater for the first time?! For maybe a second, that video gaining so much traction felt like a dream. I say that because I’ve been a fan of his for so long. I’m talkin’ 14+ years of watching him surf and create such an incredible name for himself. When I was younger I was fascinated with him and I wanted to be surrounded by surf culture. I knew that fashion was going to be my only way into the realm of action sports. When that video happened, I was an intern at Quiksilver. Kelly surfed for Quiksilver practically his entire life. So, being an intern there alone was enough to make me the happiest person on earth. When The Eddie, a Quiksilver surfing event was called on, I found a way to get myself over to the North Shore of Oahu. I simply saw Kelly Slater in the flesh. When you read about someone, or watch interviews of them for so long without ever actually seeing them in person, they start to become like a figment of your imagination. My reaction in that video was years of dreaming being released. I was totally overwhelmed because the giant hero I’ve dreamed of, for so long, stood right before my eyes for the very first time. After about 3 minutes of hardcore balling my eyes out, I watched him surf the biggest waves I’ve ever seen and screamed my head off cheering for him! It was a great time, haha!
Any advice for current FIDM Students? I think the most important thing for FIDM students to hear is that the faculty is there for you. They literally wake up every day, ready to come to work in order to help you succeed. From admissions advisors (shout out Kathi Gilbert), to teachers, to career advisors, these guys want to help you. If you’re having a bad day because you spilled your coffee on your last sheet of notebook paper, let them know. If you landed the internship of a lifetime and can’t wait to tell someone, tell them. If you see Kelly Slater surfing and cry your eyes out, they want to hear it!! My point is, the faculty at FIDM is full of a whole bunch of normal people. Talk to them, get to know them, I promise you won’t regret it.
What is your biggest goal right now? My biggest goal right now is to soak up as much experience and knowledge from the industry as possible. My end goal is to move to Hawaii, have a shop, and live a simple, happy life. I know that I need more experience before I could ever even think of opening up shop. So, for now, I just want to learn and grow.
Anything else you’d like to share? Never stop challenging yourself. You have no idea what you’re actually capable of unless you step out of your comfort zone. Give yourself a chance. If you don’t, who else will?
Categories: Merchandise Product Development Alumni
