Alumni

Grad Featured in New Fashion Documentary

An upcoming documentary,  No Wire Hangers,  follows Raymond McNeill, an alumnus of FIDM and bespoke fashion designer, during the intense and transformative months leading up to his debut fashion show in December. Brooklyn-based filmmakers, Liam Lee and Joe Bubar, offer an intimate portrait of a “hidden figure” in the fashion industry who has worked for Oscar de la Renta, and designed custom pieces for Mary J. Blige and Toni Braxton. 

After his lowest point, when Raymond was homeless and sleeping in his car, he finally caught a break. In 2016, his childhood friend, Margot Lee Shetterly, the author of Hidden Figures, asked Raymond to design her dresses for appearances at The Academy Awards, the White House, and other events across the country. Hoping to capitalize on that recent success, Raymond is putting on his first fashion show in his hometown (using an all-Virginian cast of models, hairdressers, and makeup artists to help him).

Filmmaker Liam Lee first met Raymond in 2014 when they were roommates in an apartment in Brooklyn. He says, “I've been wanting to film Ray ever since I met him. I was captivated by his passion and endless creative energy. I hope our viewers will be as inspired as I am by his story.” 

Learn more about FIDM's Fashion Design program. 

Categories:  Fashion Design Alumni