Reanne Wang Builds Network Through FIDM Industry Partner Projects
At FIDM, Reanne Wang has worked on projects with companies including Cotton Incorporated, National Retail Federation, and Levi’s, and has worked at events with brands such as Moschino, Tommy Hilfiger, and Erdem. She is currently participating in the Red Bull x FIDM Challenge and starts IMPD this quarter.
Tell us a little about yourself: I’m originally from Orange County and am currently a student at the LA campus. I was accepted to FIDM my junior year with their early acceptance program; FIDM was the only school I applied to because I knew it was fit for me. I completed my AA degree this past March in Merchandise Product Development and am so excited to be starting International Manufacturing & Product Development (IMPD) in July.
What are the advantages of participating in FIDM industry partnerships? By participating in FIDM industry partnerships, it really helps me network and develop connections with people in the industry. I have been able to gain important contacts that have helped me open the door to new opportunities. The Levi Strauss 501 Day Challenge was a really exciting project for me. Levi’s is a company that I have grown up wearing and would one day love to work for. Our challenge was to “redesign” a pair of traditional 501 jeans, and I transformed my pairs into detachable overalls. As much as it is so necessary to gain the base knowledge in a classroom, the best way to learn is through experience. Actually working in the industry has developed the skills that I’ve learned in class. I have previously interned at Jonathan Simkhai, Halston, AMO Denim, and am currently working at ModCloth—through industry connections.
What is it about the Red Bull Challenge that you are most looking forward to? The Red Bull Challenge is allowing me to be creative and merge my design and product development skills. With this specific project, I have to think about colors and design, but also the practicalities and technical features of the product. It is a challenge to create an innovative product that fits the needs of the Red Bull Wings Team members. For example, designing a backpack that fits 32 cans is quite a challenge. I hope that my designs are fit for the team.
What did you like about visiting the Red Bull headquarters and what did you learn there that is going to help you in your designs? Red Bull is such a unique company because they really focus on their branding as a whole and create experiences for their consumers. The company atmosphere represented the brand and helped me better understand the company style and what would suit their ambassadors. They brought in two of their Wings Team members, and this allowed us to get their opinions on the apparel that they are currently wearing and what they would like to wear. Red Bull is a company that really pushes limits—this is inspiring my designs and forcing me to think outside of the box.
Tell us what interests you the most about the IMPD program: IMPD is a specialized program that is not offered by any other school. I think that this program will provide me with a background of manufacturing and product development, but while also focusing on design. In the future, I want to go into more of the creative side, so I think that having the skills of international manufacturing will give me a better insight towards design and production. Also, it is such an incredible opportunity to have an industry partner to work with. I’m looking forward to meeting with our mentor and beginning the challenge of branding their company.
What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? In the future, I would love to work my way up as a senior designer or be able to launch my own women’s apparel brand. I cannot wait for a career in the fashion industry because it is what I am passionate about. I’m very grateful for all the resources and partnerships that FIDM has provided me. I have had opportunities to work on projects with companies such as Cotton Incorporated, National Retail Federation, and now Red Bull, and have worked at events with brands such as Moschino, Tommy Hilfiger, and Erdem. I am very motivated to take advantage of every opportunity because there is always something new to learn and new people to meet. Not only has FIDM provided me with opportunities, they have given me the classroom knowledge to become successful. By attending a specialized school, my time is not wasted and I am studying exactly what I need to know to work in the fashion industry!
To view Reanne Wang’s portfolio, visit https://reannewang3.wixsite.com/reannewang.
Categories: International Manufacturing & Product Development Merchandise Product Development Industry Partnerships
