fashion designer Karen Kane sits at her desk with a rack of clothing behind her

Alumni

Fashion Designer Karen Kane Shares Her FIDM Story in Her Fall 2021 Catalog

In 1979, Karen Kane and her husband Lonnie launched Karen Kane, Inc. out of their garage in Studio City, California. Over forty years later, the brand is as strong as ever. Headquartered just outside of Downtown Los Angeles, in the city of Vernon, Karen Kane is sold in most major department stores and over 550 specialty boutiques across the country. Incredibly proud of her alma mater, Karen serves on the Advisory Board at FIDM.

Karen shares her FIDM story in her Fall 2021 lookbook. There is a photo of her mentoring a student at FIDM with the caption, "I'm a proud graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. When I was 18, I left Santa Barbara to attend school in Los Angeles. I learned more than I could have imagined, and I've always felt it was important to give back to the school that taught me so much. I have loved the opportunity to return to FIDM's campus to mentor students and help them develop skills they need to succeed after graduation."

image from Karen Kane fall 2021 catalog of Karen throughout the years

In a previous interview with the designer, she said, "Going to FIDM taught me the essential details about the fashion industry and gave me a foundation to start a company right after graduating from school. I already knew how to sew when I started at FIDM, but learning about design basics and pattern making were huge steps in preparing me for a career right out of school. Understanding those concepts made pursuing my dream a reality."

model wearing a Karen Kane Fall 2021 design

Karen Kane is now a Certified B Corporation. Widely recognized as the gold standard for responsible business, B corps are committed to practicing the highest social and environmental standards and are committed to using business as a force for good in the world.

two models wearing Karen Kane designs from Fall 2021 collection