Byanka Alzaga Graduates From The Business of Denim Program

Byanka Alzaga is one of six students accepted into and graduating from The Business of Denim Program this quarter, and with her Merchandise Product Development degree also under her belt, she is about to embark on her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management at FIDM.

Tell us about your interest in The Business of Denim: I became interested in denim after I participated in the 2016 FIDM Denim Study Tour. I was captivated by the immense industry located here in Los Angeles. I knew I wanted to continue my studies, but I wasn’t sure in what area. Then I saw the chance to embark on a new adventure with The Business of Denim Program. I grew up in Los Angeles, so being able to stay in my city is a blessing.

What are the advantages of studying denim in Los Angeles? Los Angeles is one of the world’s denim capitals, so naturally many brands flock to the city to establish themselves. LA is full of culture and experience which allows the denim industry to thrive. Specialized labor is needed in denim and Los Angeles is able to provide those resources.

Tell us something about denim not many people know: Denim is more than a jean. It’s about history, unity, innovation, and authenticity.

Name some influential people in the denim industry that you've met through the FIDM denim program: There were so many prominent figures I met including Adriano Goldschmied, Eric Schrader, and Amy Leverton. Mr. Goldschmied is known as “the Grandfather of denim” for developing brands such as Diesel, Replay, and AG Adriano Goldschmied to name a few. Eric Schrader is a vintage denim hunter who has served as a consultant to big name brands and appeared in the denim documentary, “Blue Gold: American Jeans.” Amy Leverton showed us her denim vision through “Denim Dudes: Street Style, Vintage, Workwear, Obsession” and “Denim: Street Style, Vintage, Obsession.” I came to realize that the denim industry is like a small family and everyone knows each other. They welcome opinions and ideas because it’s a collaborative effort.

What was the best part of the denim program? Oh course it’s the traveling and networking with others. I had never gone overseas, so being able to immerse myself in the European and Japanese cultures was amazing. I was able to network with people of different backgrounds from trim/denim manufacturing to design.

Any advice for someone considering applying to The Business of Denim Program? Take a new look at the denim you own. Do some people watching. Don’t be afraid to ask a stranger if you can take a picture of their denim (or just do it secretly!). And read up on the latest denim news.

What’s next for you? As of now, I will be starting the Bachelor’s of Science Program for Business Management. I plan to intern or take on a part-time position in the meantime. FIDM has allowed me to push myself further than I could imagine. I’ve evolved not only on a professional level, but on a personal one.

Categories: The Business of Denim