Dustin Argumedo sitting on stairs wearing an Ivy Park white t-shirt with one hand under his chin

Alumni

Dustin Argumedo's DEBUT Collection Subverts the Idea of Latinx Machismo

Dustin Argumedo knew he wanted to study fashion design and live in Los Angeles from a very young age. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he attended Palos Verdes High School in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, as well as Manzano High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When his previous college unexpectedly closed, Dustin transferred to FIDM to make his childhood dream come true. With a goal of making menswear more exciting and a passion for sustainability, Dustin has created a new collection for FIDM’s Annual DEBUT Runway Show event, which will live-stream on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 5:00 PM PDT. We chatted with the Advanced Fashion Design student to learn more about the inspiration behind his work and the advice he’d share with aspiring DEBUT designers.

Tell us about your DEBUT collection: My collection, “MACHISMO LATINX,” brings mockery to the Latinx term machismo. The idea of being “manly” and self-reliant, the concept is associated with a strong sense of masculine pride. Growing up in the Latinx community there were always certain expectations of what one was supposed to follow, including being tough and having a certain look. “MACHISMO LATINX” makes a statement that masculinity has nothing to do with what you wear or how you look. By combining both my Latinx and American cultures, this collection will blur the line between masculinity and fashion.

What silhouettes and fabrics can we expect to see? The silhouettes will be playing with the idea of elongating certain areas and focusing on other areas that normally don't get a lot of focus. Think of a modern American mariachi. I will be using a combination of tropical wools and knits.

What is your point of view, as a designer? I think fashion should be fun. I love a combination of tailored and structured looks with comfy and sleek aspects to it. Think of this: monochromatic head to toe. Oversized crop hoodie with tailored pants and some Crocs.

How do you hope people will feel when they see your designs? Menswear in my opinion is kind of boring right now. I hope people see something different and once again get excited over menswear.

What inspires you as a creative and as a fashion designer? My art is my voice; I have a lot to say. Things that keep me inspired are a combination of nature, pop culture, music, and history.

What is a lesson you’ve learned as you’ve been working on your collection? Don't let anyone dilute your design ideas, or tell you that it's not good enough, especially if you're slapping your name on it.

Any advice for someone considering applying to be a DEBUT student? Do it. It has been one of my favorite schooling experiences in my life. It is not easy, but it is worth it. Also give it 100 percent of your attention.

Anything else you’d like to share? Everyone who graduates from FIDM with an AA has the same basic skills. DEBUT gives you a chance to specialize in certain areas that you want to specialize in with the help of the amazing instructors such as Angela Fuentes and Tomy Huang.