Student

National Scholarship Competition Winner Starts at FIDM This Fall

A winner of the 2020 National Scholarship Competition, Marius van Rooijen will be studying Fashion Design at FIDM in the fall. He grew up in Amsterdam and learned how to sew from Dutch costume designer Bho Roosterman. His scholarship entry was inspired by traditional Dutch work wear. He just graduated from Westmark School in Encino and has been making face masks for neighbors and friends these past few months. We caught up with him to learn more about his creative journey.

Tell us a bit about yourself: My name is Marius van Rooijen, I'm 19 years old and I moved to LA with my family almost 6 years ago from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I like music, fashion, film, hanging out with friends, and exploring nature.

Tell us how you felt when you found out that you won FIDM's National Scholarship Competition? Kathi Gilbert, my FIDM Advisor called me and I just couldn’t believe it! I was super excited and grateful, couldn’t stop smiling.

What did you enjoy the most about creating your scholarship entry? The learning part of it. I made a design and then learned how to make and use a pattern. Also making something from scratch the first time is a very rewarding process.

Tell us about your interest in fashion design. What is your earliest memory of your attraction to the field of fashion design? Apparently I have always been very picky about my clothes when I was young. I’ve had phases where I would wear specific clothes, like fedora hats or like gilets. It was not until much later that I actually became interested in fashion.
 
How did you learn about FIDM and what made FIDM right for you? My mom met someone who went to FIDM and that sounded awesome. We went to an open house and it automatically felt very welcoming and inspiring. The instructors were all so interesting and connected to the field. FIDM has great programs and I just wanted to start learning right away after that day. 

Who has been your biggest supporter/influencer in guiding you to FIDM? My parents and Bho Roosterman who is a Dutch costume designer and taught me how to sew.

How do you think your Dutch heritage will influence you as a designer? Growing up in Amsterdam, being surrounded by history, and the European culture definitely has an influence on my views and designs. It’s such a part of me. Dutch people are very down to earth and straight forward, I hope I can bring that somehow to my designs too.

Who are some of your favorite designers? Maison Margiella and Raf Simons, both European designers, very avantgarde which is a style I really like. Also Jun Takahashi, because he thinks outside of the box and tries something new.

What are your career goals? To become successful in whatever makes me happy. For now, learning everything I need to know about becoming a great fashion designer.

What do you expect to learn at FIDM? I expect to learn all the skills I need to become a fashion designer. And I hope to learn strategies to make it in the fashion world.

Keep up with Marius van Rooijen on Instagram @marius.vr

Categories:  Fashion Design Student