FIDM Grad Colin Huang stands with his arms folded in front of his menswear designs

Alumni

Grad to Launch Men's Streetwear Collection

Colin Huang was born and raised in the Bay Area where he took an early interest in putting outfits together. Prior to attending California High School in San Ramon, California, Colin became interested in design. “Designing has had such a big impact on my life,” he said, “it’s just something that I think about on a daily basis.” After studying Merchandise Product Development at FIDM, Colin entered the Advanced Study program in Menswear and recently debuted his designs at the Menswear Student Exhibition. Next up: He’s earning his third FIDM degree — a Bachelor of Science — in Business Management and plans to launch a streetwear collection, Articles, for men. We chatted with Colin to learn more about his FIDM journey.

What led you to the Menswear program at FIDM? My main goal in the near future is to have my own menswear streetwear line. I’ve had this vision for a while now and a lot of plans of where I want to take my brand to. Currently, I am working on my third degree. I was a Merchandise Product Development major, which then led me to the Menswear degree program, and I am currently in the Business Management Program.

FIDM Grad Colin Huang poses with one knee on the ground in front of his menswear designs

Tell us about your work for the recent Menswear Student Exhibition: My menswear line materials included cotton canvas, ribbed knit, twill shirting, vinyl, puff print, metal zippers, metal snaps, and velcro. My inspiration towards my line was based on how I wanted people to see my brand, whether it be the vinyl or use of other materials and staying true to what I wanted to design, but overall just to have fun with it.

What is your unique design vision? I wanted to be able to stay true to the streetwear aspect, but also incorporate my own details in it. With my line I designed for the program, you’ll see garments such as cargo pants, carpenter pants, workers jackets, and ribbed t-shirts. But with this program and how competitive it was, I knew in order for me to really show my vision and all my hard work I put in this I had to show it, which led me to making a video and full photoshoot of all my garments with live models.

FIDM Grad Colin Huang holds a clear star emblazoned with FIDM to the camera

What is a valuable lesson you’ve learned in this Advanced Study program? That hard work really pays off. Most importantly if you have a goal in life that you really believe in, then you already know you’ll be able to do it. This program really pushed me to do more than I thought I could and seeing everything come together at the end was one of my biggest and proudest accomplishments ever.

How is FIDM helping you get closer to your career goals? FIDM has helped me in so many ways in coming closer to my career goals from learning new design programs, how everything works in the industry, meeting new people, connections, and providing me with the endless resources the school has.

FIDM Grad Colin Huang stands in front of two of his menswear designs

Anything else you'd like to share? I have a lot planned for the future and am constantly working and learning. Feel free to reach out to me if you want on Instagram @colin_huang and follow my brand's Instagram @articles.clo to keep up to date of what’s to come in the near future!

Categories: Business Management Menswear Merchandise Product Development Alumni