Alumni
Grad Working at Reformation Interviewed by Sourcing Journals Rivet Magazine
As part of Rivet Magazine’s “Denim Minds Under 30” column, which spotlights young professionals committed to pushing the denim industry forward while paying special mind to the planet and its people, the industry publication interviewed FIDM Graduate Chigoziri “Chigo” Ikeme of Reformation. A former FIDM Fashion Club President at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Chigo is currently the company’s associate manager of denim product development, where her role entails managing the development of wash, trims, and all denim categories while adhering to strict sustainability guidelines and an incredibly quick speed-to-market.
Chigo earned an A.A. in Merchandise Product Development from FIDM in 2015 and worked in the industry at Nasty Gal, REVOLVE, and Feel The Piece as a fabric and trim specialist before making the decision to go back to school in July 2017 to pursue a Bachelor’s in Apparel Technical Design. Prior to joining Reformation in 2020, Chigo worked in product development at J BRAND. “What drew me to the denim industry is how much of an involvement it had within American history,” she told Rivet. “It’s inspiring to see [how] what was once a workwear staple has evolved over the years through different trends and innovations.”
Chigo noted that while denim is statistically “one of the least environmentally friendly manufacturing sectors,” she has the opportunity to be a part of the changemakers who are disrupting the conventional process. “My short-term goal for the industry is to continue to learn the best ways to develop denim sustainably, and keep abreast of all the latest innovations within raw materials and manufacturing,” she said. “Luckily my current job allows me to do just that, as our core values center on people, product and planet. My long-term goals in the industry are focused on amplifying Black voices within the denim community and creating a collective of sorts to inspire, educate and network with Black denim tastemakers.”
Categories: Apparel Technical Design Merchandise Product Development Alumni