Alumni

Bachelor's Grad Launches Online Vintage Shop

Jillian Colin graduated in 2017 with her Bachelor of Arts in Design. She has been shopping in thrift stores since she was a child, so it was a natural fit for her when she decided to launch her own online vintage shop, Trouve Moi Vintage, where she specializes in women’s dresses, undergarments, silk blouses, blazers, and accessories. "Whatever you can think of as a building block for a powerful and feminine woman's wardrobe, I’m selling it," she said. We caught up with her to learn more about her business and fashion journey.

Tell us a little about yourself: I am originally from a small town in Northern California, and I currently live in Austin, Texas. I am an avid reader, journalizer, creator of colorful concepts, bike rider, and I am one of six kids. My real obsession is for clothing and the idea of fashion. I have always loved the journey of putting together a wardrobe, getting dressed for the day, and the identities we can piece together through utilizing our clothes, personalities, and creativity. I have thrifted and vintage shopped since I was a child and the treasure hunt continues with my vintage clothing company, Trouve Moi Vintage (@trouvemoivintage on Instagram).

Tell us about Trouve Moi Vintage: "Trouve moi" is French for “find me." So "Trouve Moi Vintage" means "find me vintage!" like "find me a baguette!" (I love bread). I have always been inspired by the idea of a treasure hunt—specifically in relation to finding gems in a thrift store or vintage store, in my own town or traveling somewhere special. So the name Trouve Moi felt perfect, and the romance of using a French term appealed to me. Trouve Moi, pronounced "troov-mwah," is about finding feminine, powerful, modern, and sexy wearable vintage items. The pieces are well made, conversational, and meant to last. Some of my favorite finds have been around for over 50 years. Quality like no other.

What inspired you to start this business? I have been sourcing forever. I remember shopping in thrift stores when I was single digits, and I always loved to find pieces for myself. But what really makes my day is watching something I found float into the hands of someone new and make their day (and closet) better. There is something magical that happens when someone finds themselves in a new (to them) piece of clothing.

What is the aesthetic? What do you specialize in? The aesthetic is feminine, powerful, and intentional. I specialize in selling women’s dresses, undergarments, silk blouses, blazers, iconic handbags, some jewelry, shoes… Whatever you can think of as a building block for a powerful and feminine woman's wardrobe—I’m selling it.

Why did you choose FIDM? I understood FIDM to be an open-minded and expressive school—a haven for creatives who are excited to learn and inspired to put in the time and effort. I also had a girlfriend of mine at the time start going and she was really loving it and told me to check it out, so I did! And here we are.

How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you are doing now? I feel that FIDM gave me the tools I needed at that time and said, "Go!" which in hindsight was fabulous because no one else was going to make my dreams come true.

Any advice for current FIDM Students? Don’t be afraid to fail and try again! I started in the Merchandise Product Development program in San Francisco (I believe I lasted one quarter in that program). Then I went to Visual Communications for my Associate’s Degree. After, I moved to Los Angeles for the BA program and switched to Fashion Design. (Thank you Anne Bennion for pushing me to go into that program! You are my favorite.) Keep trying new things and you will always find your way to your creative home. Also, don't give up. You've already made it into FIDM, you’re in the right place. Just keep experimenting.

What is your biggest goal right now? My biggest goals are to expand my customer reach and to continue developing and shaping my brand vision. I absolutely love connecting with new people via Instagram and creatively collaborating, so I am looking to do more of that now. I will also begin developing my own line of upcycled vintage items, where I take a garment that maybe has lost its shine and give it a new identity. Stay tuned!

Anything else you’d like to share? Keep trying new things. And check me out on Instagram!