Alumni Give Back at Health and Wellness Fair on Campus
On Thursday, February 13th, FIDM hosted a Health & Wellness Fair on the San Diego campus. Ten companies participated, five of which are alumni-owned, including activewear apparel line JIV Athletics.
Alumnae Julia Kay, Nika Cleaver, Kylee Emgee, Chalise Reynolds, and Pam Tripp returned to their alma mater to speak with students on wellness and offer beauty tips and tricks. Others participated by giving massages, and sharing information on music therapy, and heart health.
The alumni-owned businesses included Your Greatest Day, Shadow Era Beauty, JIV Athletics, and S.D. Spirit Beauty. Other participating brands and businesses were Resounding Joy, FIT Athletic, Pacific College of Health & Science, Sunnyside Rehab Physical Therapy and Wellness, the American Heart Association, and Paul Mitchell.
It was a perfect opportunity for students to take a break from their studies to relax and take away a few pointers on health and wellness.
Learn more about these alumni-owned health and wellness brands on Instagram @your_greatest_day @jiv_athletics @pambetrippin @shadoweraspiritbeauty.
Grad Kim Culmone is Senior VP and Global Head of Design for Barbie and Fashion Dolls at Mattel
A graduate of FIDM's Textile Design Program, Kim Culmone now serves as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Design for Barbie and Fashion Dolls at Mattel Inc. Kim and her award-winning team of product and graphic designers are committed to keeping the brands they steward innovative and reflective of the world kids see around them. Kim is entrusted with the creative direction of Mattel’s flagship brand Barbie, a category leader in innovation and a source of inspiration to children around the world for over 60 years.
Prior to her current expanded role, Kim was Vice President of Design for Barbie. From 2013-2019 she was responsible for all product and packaging for the brand. During that time, she helped launch the popular @BarbieStyle Instagram channel that now has over 2.2 million followers and unprecedented social media engagement within the toy industry. Kim also served as Vice President, Consumer Products Design from 2010-2013, setting the creative vision for style guide development and licensed product design for Mattel’s global dolls brands, including Barbie, Monster High and Polly Pocket. In this role she led Mattel’s licensing design teams around the world and developed product in over 50 categories in partnership with licensees in over 150 countries.
Kim started her career at Mattel in 1999 as a designer for Barbie. Throughout her 20-year tenure at the company, Kim has maintained a creative process that emphasizes purpose-driven, human-centric design. As featured in the Hulu documentary Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie, in 2015 she led the design of the most ethnically diverse doll line in the brand’s history. That line included the introduction of three new doll body types—curvy, tall and petite. This bold product reinvention generated 5 billion media impressions, led to a TIME cover, was named one of the “Top 25 Inventions of 2016” by the magazine and received the Barbie brand’s first-ever “Doll of the Year Award”, a coveted honor from the Toy Industry Association. Today Barbie is the most diverse doll line on the market.
Further pushing diversity and inclusivity efforts across the doll portfolio, Kim oversaw design of Creatable World, the first gender-inclusive doll line to challenge traditional views around who a doll was for. The line, inviting all kids to play, sparked cultural conversation heard around the world and was named one of Time’s 2019 Best Inventions.
In addition to her degree from FIDM, Kim holds a design degree from Louisiana State University. Prior to joining Mattel, she co-founded and was creative director of the Los Angeles-based textile art studio, The Design Garage Inc. She is passionate about the advancement of women and girls, supports the arts and LGBTQ+ organizations in her community and serves on the board of directors for the Wright Institute Los Angeles, a mental health non-profit organization and clinic, Chickenshed NYC, a non-profit inclusive children’s theater company.
FIDM Textiles & Materials Manager Serves as a Judge for UEDA College of Fashion Competition in Japan
When UEDA College of Fashion’s president and several instructors paid a visit to FIDM’s Innovative Materials collection in 2017, they invited Textiles & Materials Manager Kristine Upesleja to teach classes about innovative materials and serve as a judge at their annual fashion design runway show. After traveling to Osaka for three consecutive years, Kristine’s visits were halted due to the pandemic. Kristine recently served as a virtual judge for UEDA’s fashion drawing and fashion design competitions, choosing between 450 drawings and 240 fashion designs.
“I took on the position of our beloved Nancy Riegelman as a fashion drawing judge," Kristine said. The educator said the judging experience is fascinating because it means merging into a completely different culture and adjusting her Western aesthetic perspective.
“I learned a lot about Japanese fashion history and culture and I'm impressed by the combination of tradition and contemporary design,” Kristine said. The winning garment, designed by second year student Ayumi Takahashi, employed Japanese Tatsuno leather and features a playfully structured laser-cut top and airy white fabric, a juxtaposition Kristine found to be an interesting combination.
10 Black Creatives From the FIDM Community You Need to Know
In honor of Black History Month, which celebrates the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans in the U.S., we wanted to share 10 recent posts that highlight Black members of the FIDM community:
Grad Natasha Ofili became an actress after working in the fashion industry, and scored a role on the Netflix series, The Politician. More recently, she made her U.S. filmmaking debut at the film festival Slamdance with The Multi, a short film “that tackles the impact of lifelong trauma and mental illness, from the perspective of the Black Deaf Female community."
Instructor TJ Walker, co-founder of the iconic brand Cross Colours and the Black Design Collective, is one of the judges for the second installment of Fred Segal’s Season Zero design contest, which provides Black fashion designers with a grant, mentorship, and the chance to manufacture their first collection to be sold at Fred Segal’s flagship LA location.
Grad Danelle Johnson is the entrepreneur behind the mobile pop up Tiny House of Fashion Boutique in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. Danelle has appeared on local news channel WUSA9 and has been featured on Good Morning Washington and Voice of America, among other outlets.
Student and U.S. Air Force veteran Blaire Morel is passionate about marketing. After graduating with an A.A. in Merchandising & Marketing, she is now in FIDM’s bachelor’s degree program in Digital Marketing with a goal of eventually working on the creative side of a major brand.
Grad Martasia Person works as a fashion design consultant in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and recently authored ABC’s for Generational Wealth, a series that includes a children’s book, parent book, and coloring book for entire families. She has collaborated with SHEIN and was recognized as one of their top 12 "Hot Designers."
Student Heaven Sabina, who hails from Brooklyn, New York, showed her sustainable menswear collection, Heaven’s Eyes, at the Menswear Student Exhibition last year. Her focus was “incorporating functionality within my garments as well as color blocking and pairing of colors that males wouldn’t normally wear together.”
Grads Audrey Brianne, a celebrity stylist, and Tyree Robinson, a fashion publicist, (pictured above) teamed up to launch The dm, a podcast series celebrating costume design in film and television. Their latest season features interviews with notable designers such as Michelle Cole, Mona May, Nicola Formichetti, and Salvador Perez.
Grad Ayana Gordon is the founder of ANG Model Management, and her models have appeared in SF Fashion Community Week Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week, Napa Valley Magazine, Artsy Magazine, NY Fashion Week, TokyoFW, West Coast Leather, and an ANG Model Management full runway production.
Student Alimah Kasumu, a former FIDM Fashion Club President at her Pennsylvania high school, traveled to Nigeria during the pandemic where she sewed personal protective equipment for a Covid-related medical mission team. After earning a degree in Menswear in 2021, Alimah is now pursuing her B.S. in Business Management.
Join us on campus in Grand Hope Park for the FIDM Black Student Union (BSU) Artisan Market on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
Alumna's Short Film Wins Award in Africa Bayelsa International Film Festival
*trigger warning - sensitive content below*
Alumna Tuesday Conner's short film, Young and Naive, has won 21 awards from around the world and recently won the Audience Choice Award in the Africa Bayelsa International Film Festival in Nigeria.
"My film is an apology to every child ever sexually molested," she said. She added that the Nigerian government plans to incorporate her film into their public school system as well.
Tuesday graduated cum laude in June 1989 with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing Management from FIDM. She was on the President's Honor Roll three times as well as the Honor Roll.
"My film presentation package is a direct reflection of my schooling and I am forever grateful for each of my teachers at FIDM and the words from Founder Tonian Hohberg at Orientation that echo in my heart every day: 'Get rid of every negative aspect in your life, be it your dog, your broken down car or your boyfriend.' I hold these words to my daily life and will forever."
When she first graduated from FIDM, Tuesday was hired as an assistant designer to Bob Mackie in his blouse division. Two weeks later she was costuming stage on Broadway at the Lincoln Center in New York, and spent many years as a costumer in Hollywood and on Broadway. She has since retired from costuming and now teaches private sewing lessons.
The trailer for the film Young and Naive could be traumatizing for some viewers. Watch at your own discretion.
Join Your Local FIDM Alumni Association Chapter
Over 70,000 FIDM Graduates are living their dreams around the world as entrepreneurs, designers, beauty product developers, and so much more, and continue to build their network within the FIDM community and in the industry at large. We encourage all FIDM Graduates to connect with one another on our official FIDM Alumni Association Group on LinkedIn. There, you’ll find the most up-to-date information on upcoming events, networking opportunities, and announcements. You’ll also find our monthly FIDM Alumni Newsletter posted there as well.
With 19 alumni chapters across the U.S. and around the globe, the opportunities to stay connected with the FIDM community are numerous. All FIDM Graduates are encouraged to find their local chapter in the list below and connect with their Chapter Rep on LinkedIn. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of current Alumni Chapter Rep opportunities.
ARIZONA (Phoenix)
Angela Johnson
Co-Founder, FABRIC
CALIFORNIA (Los Angeles)
Sonya Sharififard, Ph.D.
Lecturer, California State University, Sacramento
CALIFORNIA (Orange County)
Breanna Flynn
West Coast Retail Training Manager, CELINE
CALIFORNIA (San Diego)
Catherine McCullough
President & CEO, McCullough Landscape Architecture, Inc.
CALIFORNIA (San Francisco)
Sandra Sequeira-Price
Owner, Sandyland Shop
Bilingual Account Manager, Square
HAWAII (Honolulu)
Lauryn Gordines
Co-Founder & Creative Director, Ellemsee Digital Marketing Agency
IDAHO (Boise)
Shera Rowley
Owner, 7 Degrees Clothing
ILLINOIS (Chicago)
Cindy Epps
Designer, DBC Graphyx
KANSAS (Kansas City)
Kara Hansen
Land Services Specialist, Black & Veatch
NEVADA (Las Vegas)
Karen Rowley
Career Center Job Developer, FIDM
Valerie Lozano
Founder & CEO, Girl Consulting
NEW YORK (New York City)
Jack Azar
Manager of Audience Engine Decision Sciences, UM Worldwide
OKLAHOMA (Oklahoma City)
Laura Cade
Owner, OK SEW Co.
OREGON (Portland)
M'chel Bauxal
Celebrity Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist, Bauxal LLC
TENNESSEE (Nashville)
Tosha Clemens
Founder, Tosha Cole Clemens PR & Brand Agency
UTAH (Salt Lake City)
Shera Rowley
Owner, 7 Degrees Clothing
INTERNATIONAL
CANADA (Quebec)
Reese De Luca
Design Director, Modextil Inc.
ENGLAND (London)
Danielle Bigelli
eCommerce National Account Executive, Wella Company
HONG KONG
Flora Hui
Product Development/Merchandising Director, Freedom Industrial Corporation Limited
Business Partner, Sudo Kids
INDIA (New Delhi)
Shalini Kumar
Founder, Bee Fashion Ready
*
Current Open Alumni Chapter Rep Opportunities:
If you live in one of the four cities below and are interested in starting an official FIDM Alumni Chapter, please contact Alumni Relations Director, Kevin Keele, at 213-624-1200, x3515, kkeele@fidm.edu.
Boston, Massachusetts
Dallas, Texas
Seattle, Washington
Meet FIDM Online at a NACAC Fair in Fall 2021
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is an organization of more than 15,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education.
This fall, NACAC National College Fairs are online—and FIDM will be there. We invite those who want to learn more about FIDM to meet with our knowledgeable College Reps, who can provide all kinds of helpful info about our degree programs, financial aid, housing, and more, at one of the upcoming NACAC College Fairs below.
NACAC Virtual Fairs
August 29: Signature Fair
September 12: Signature Fair
September 28: Northeastern US
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
October 3 Signature Fair
October 14: Midwest US Fair
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin
October 24: Signature Fair
November 2: Arts & STEM Fair
November 14: Signature Fair
Register at https://virtualcollegefairs.org/events.
NACAC - National Conference 2021 Counselors' College Fair (CCF)
Seattle, WA and Virtual
September 24, 2021
Register at https://www.nacacconference.org.
If you have any questions, please email or call FIDM Community & Educational Affairs at 800.262.3436.
Forbes Names FIDM as a College Shaping the Future of Fashion
Fashion and culture writer Stephan Rabimov wrote a story for Forbes entitled “Best Colleges That Are Shaping The Future Of Fashion” that included FIDM along with other leading schools around the world, including Polimoda in Florence, Italy and Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada.
Rabimov assembled 10 global fashion programs “that run at the vanguard of digital-only and hybrid modes of fashion-forward education” based on his personal professional experience as a fashion critic, brand consultant, and fashion educator. “Enjoy and enroll!” he encouraged readers. Writing about FIDM, Rabimov said:
“Since 1969, the school has been particularly successful in collaborating with the television industry. From hosting four Project Runway franchises to celebrating the five-time Emmy Award winner Marina Toybina, the costume designer behind the hit show Masked Singer. Bold fashion choices at the service of visionary storytelling thrive here."
General Studies Instructor Has Written For Vogue and Glamour
Born in Rochester, New York and raised in nearby Brighton, Instructor Hilary Iker holds a B.A. in English from University of Virginia and a Master of Professional Writing from University of Southern California. A professional writer with credits including Vogue, Los Angeles Times, SELF, Glamour, and Disney Channel, Hilary teaches English Composition, Critical Thinking, and Writing Skills in the General Studies department at FIDM, where she’s been an instructor since 2010. We recently caught up with her to learn more about her teaching techniques, how she inspires students’ curiosity, and why writing skills are so important.
Tell us a bit about your freelance writing career: I have a background in journalism; my first job out of college was at Vogue Magazine. My print publication credits include Prevention, SELF, Glamour, and FIT.
How would you characterize your teaching techniques? I focus on teaching the writing process and allowing the creative effort of writing to unfold without too much stress in that context. For me, writing comes from a sacred, creative place, so I try to establish a safe environment and minimize anxiety. I give students the opportunity to rewrite and revise. I have a WordPress blog where students post final papers at the end of the quarter for extra credit. This lets them see each other’s finished work product, and it helps them to feel they too can accomplish it. I create a learning-centered environment, where students take an active approach to teach each other and to develop their respective and collective critical thinking.
What is your favorite thing about FIDM Students? My favorite thing about FIDM students is how creative, inspired, and open-minded they are. Many relocate from completely different environments to fashion school in Downtown L.A. This takes courage and an independent spirit. FIDM students are dreamers, and I admire that quality in them.
In English Comp, how do you inspire students' curiosity and research? I try to help them make connections to their reality and to what is happening in their world right now. I emphasize that the General Studies skillset can help them to understand and to make sense of the world they inhabit. Students are introduced to the FIDM subscription research databases. I encourage them to apply meta-cognition, to “think about their thinking,” and to generate a research topic close to their heart. This inspires them to become passionate and to do deeper, more meaningful research.
Each week we talk about how writing is a lifelong skill that has the power to make them more competitive and successful. I emphasize that a class like English Composition, even though it’s not major-specific, is relevant as a building block to becoming a better writer.
How do writing skills benefit FIDM Students? My students know that writing can help them to “get what they want,” so to speak, whether it might be a dream job, social media clicks and follows, invitations, bank loans and funding for their product, updating brand websites, acceptance into graduate school, and other positive outcomes.
Learn more online at hilaryiker.com.
Meet FIDM at National Portfolio Days Beginning This Fall
Held in multiple locations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, as well as online, National Portfolio Day is a chance for undergraduate and graduate students from around the globe to participate in portfolio reviews to prepare for college. Meet one-on-one with FIDM Representatives and receive valuable feedback and guidance on your portfolio before you submit your application. FIDM is a member of the National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA) and will be present at the following events:
UNDERGRADUATE
NPDA
Online
September 10, 2021
September 26, 2021
October 30, 2021
November 20, 2021
December 10, 2021
January 9, 2022
February 18, 2022
March 12, 2022
May 21, 2022
Columbus College of Art & Design
Atlanta, GA
September 18, 2021
SMU Meadows School of the Arts
Dallas, TX
September 19, 2021
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Philadelphia, PA
October 9, 2021
Columbus College of Art & Design
Columbus, OH
October 16, 2021
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL
October 17, 2021
Kansas City Art Institute
Kansas City, MO
October 23, 2021
University of Arizona - School of Art
Tucson, AZ
November 6, 2021
Laguna College of Art + Design
San Diego, CA
November 7, 2021
California College of the Arts
San Francisco, CA
November 13, 2021
Cornish College of the Arts
Seattle, WA
November 14, 2021
New World School of the Arts
Miami, FL
January 22, 2022
Ringling College of Art & Design
Sarasota, FL
January 23, 2022
GRADUATE
California College of the Arts
San Francisco, CA
October 30, 2021
NPDA
Online
October 8, 2021
November 21, 2021
Register at http://nationalportfolioday.live.
If you have any questions, please email or call FIDM Community & Educational Affairs at 800.262.3436.
FIDM x HBO Max GENERA+ION Un-Fashion Showcase on View Through April 12
As we recently reported, HBO Max has teamed up with FIDM for the Genera+ion Un-Fashion Showcase, a two-week long pop-up installation at The LAB in Orange County, California, on view through April 12, 2021. The installation celebrates the launch of Genera+ion, the Lena Dunham-produced dramedy streaming now on HBO Max, which follows a diverse group of high school students as they explore modern sexuality and test deeply entrenched views about life, love, and family in their conservative community.
FIDM, HBO Max, and Genera+ion costume designer Shirley Kurata selected eight FIDM designers — Ally Dechant, Sofia Elin, Esther Gaor, Robin Giles, Faith Ibrahim, Xander Shephard, Tiara Slater, and Reanne Wang — to create custom-made looks inspired by each of the central characters in the series. “Delilah is an inspiring individual,” said 2019 DEBUT Graduate Sofia Elin of the Genera+ion character she designed for. “Everything we need to be inspired can be taken from her, from her strength and her beliefs, gender-neutral silhouettes, feminine touches, self-expression, and love for the environment.”
Faith Ibrahim, who has four different FIDM degrees, was inspired by elevated minimalism for her designs. “I chose this because it was basically a combination of my style as a designer as well as the creative task at hand," she said. "I felt as though I was assigned Nathan to elevate his minimalistic style.” Meanwhile, 2020 Graduate Reanne Wang turned to film photography, ska punk fashion, and editorials to influence her designs. “Riley is a character that is constantly capturing the world around her with her camera,” she explained. “As a reflection of her environment and interests, these designs play with different textures, materials, and silhouettes in order to illustrate her artistic expression.
View all eight looks by FIDM designers at The LAB, 2930 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa through April 12, 2021. The LAB is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Learn more at thelab.com.
Photography by Myles Loftin
HBO Max Partners with FIDM for the GENERA+ION Un-Fashion Showcase at The LAB
HBO Max has teamed up with FIDM for the Genera+ion Un-Fashion Showcase, a two-week long pop-up installation at The LAB in Orange County, California, from April 2, 2021 to April 12, 2021. The installation celebrates the launch of Genera+ion, the Lena Dunham-produced dramedy streaming now on HBO Max, which follows a diverse group of high school students as they explore modern sexuality and test deeply entrenched views about life, love, and family in their conservative community.
FIDM, HBO Max, and Genera+ion costume designer Shirley Kurata selected 16 up-and-coming student and alumni designers to create custom fashion looks inspired by the central characters in the television series. After two rounds of feedback, Kurata then selected one final look for each character to go into production. The winning FIDM designers include Ally Dechant, Sofia Elin, Esther Gaor, Robin Giles, Faith Ibrahim, Xander Shephard, Tiara Slater, and Reanne Wang.
The Un-Fashion Showcase is designed by New York-based artist Mason Webb, who has created a series of reflective columns using two-way tinted glass. Mannequins featuring the eight winning looks will be placed inside of the columns, while others will be left open, allowing fans to create and capture their own photo moments. Rising photographer Myles Loftin, recently named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for Art & Style, will shoot images and video content from the installation for a digital lookbook titled “Looks of a Genera+ion."
"Much like the characters of Genera+tion, FIDM alumni are redefining the role of future fashion," said Amanda Starling, Special Projects Chair at FIDM. "Inclusion, self-expression, and ethical responsibility drive these designers to pursue their authentic and creative vision."
View the installation in person at The LAB from April 2, 2021 to April 12, 2021 and online through media partner NYLON.
Publication Features FIDM College Reps Virtual Visit to Local High School
Throughout the pandemic, FIDM College Representatives have been hosting online sessions in virtual classrooms throughout the country. The Press of Atlantic City recently covered Gina Borgesi’s visit to Absegami High School in New Jersey, where students learned how to ‘Ace the Interview’ in a fun and interactive presentation.
From The Press of Atlantic City:
Gina Borgesi, College Representative for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), spoke with Absegami students via Google Meet about the importance of making a good first impression during an interview. The presentation began with a short video on FIDM, a private college in California, and sprung into how to prepare a “tell me about yourself” profile.
Students were actively involved in choosing “the best candidate for the job” based on dress, body language and how interview questions were answered. They were asked to select three qualities that best described themselves and wrote supporting statements to better prepare for interviews. Students were encouraged to have a “WIFT” (what’s in it for them) mentality rather than a “WIFM” (what’s in it for me) mentality. At the conclusion of the presentation, the importance of sending a thank you note or thank you email was stressed.
Learn more about scheduling a representative on our Just For Educators site.
FCCLA/FIDM Educational Webinar Series: Spring 2021
FIDM is joining in partnership with FCCLA and sharing virtually a series of five FCS/CTE curriculum-driven classroom presentations, February 25 – April 22, 2021, in support of design and creative business education. Open to FCCLA Advisors and Educators, each 1-hour, 15 minute webinar showcases a variety of presentations and highlight activities that coordinate for additional student, hands-on, creative education, and fun.
Runway Fashion Meets Wearable Clothing: Product Development – Become a visionary by adapting a current trend to a store’s specific brand and target customer.
Setting the Stage with Creative Design: Entertainment Set Design & Decoration – Students design new props for existing movie and TV show sets, adding credibility and enhancement to the storyline.
Designing Inside the Box: Exploring the Innovative Field of Visual Communications – Presents the many career paths and opportunities within the creative business field of Retail, Event Planning, Entertainment and Exhibition industries.
An Interview with Student Activities Manager Angela Leavitt
With the recent launch of FIDM’s latest student organization, Future Leaders in Beauty (FLB) founded by Bachelor's student Arli Bianco, we caught up with Angela Leavitt, Manager of Student Activities, to learn more about how student groups are formed and her role in the process.
Tell us about your role in FLB: As Student Activities Manager my role is to support and guide the initiatives of FLB. This includes helping them through the application process, ensuring they are aware of the event calendar, enlisting guest speakers and helping facilitate meetings and events.
How does a student go about organizing an official FIDM student group like FLB? The Student Activities Office often gets contacted with ideas for new clubs. We first work with students to make sure there is not an existing club that meets their same objective. Once this is verified, we ask students to develop a proposed charter. The next step is to complete an application which includes developing a mission statement, outlining the club’s purpose and goals, and identifying club officer roles and responsibilities.
How is it going for FLB? Future Leaders in Beauty has already had several meetings and there has been a groundswell of support from students across majors, with each meeting averaging 30 students. When the mission and purpose was developed by Arli Bianco, the founder and current President of Future Leaders of Beauty, she worked with students, staff, and faculty to ensure their purpose and objectives were aligned with the interests of the students enrolled in the beauty program. Additionally, the Executive Board of FLB regularly conducts surveys to ensure they capture the interest of students and guest speakers, events, and other activities are well received. This club fosters an inclusive environment, all FIDM students interested in beauty are welcome to join.
Follow FIDM Student Activities on Instagram @fidmstudentactivities.
FIDM Museum Named One of 7 LA Museums to Tour Virtually by DoLA
DoLA has rounded up seven Los Angeles museums you can tour virtually from home, including FIDM’s Museum & Galleries, which features a series of inspired online exhibitions via Google Arts & Culture. The popular event website and newsletter also selected world-renowned arts institutes such as the J. Paul Getty Museum, LACMA, Museum of African American Art, USC Fisher Museum of Art, The Broad, and the Annenberg Space for Photography.
“Immerse yourself in the world of fashion and costume design at FIDM’s Museum and Galleries,” writes the publication. “Located inside the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Downtown Los Angeles campus, explore over 300 items of fashion history online, along with seven online-specific exhibits!” From Parisian haute couture to iconic film costumes and one-of-a-kind accessories, the FIDM Museum & Galleries’ collections offer a comprehensive overview of fashion’s key moments and most important tastemakers.
The FIDM Museum and Library, Inc. collects, preserves, and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit. It fosters student learning, public engagement, and recognition of the creative arts and entertainment industries by providing access to the collections through exhibitions, publications, and other research opportunities. The collections of the FIDM Museum & Galleries span more than 200 years of fashion history.
Follow the FIDM Museum on Instagram @fidmmuseum.
Channels 35, 4, and 7 Cover FIDM and YMCA Clothing Giveaway
We are pleased to announce that Channels 35, 4, and 7 covered the FIDM and YMCA clothing giveaway that took place on December 17th at the Anderson Munger Family YMCA in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. Click here to see the coverage from Channel 35, and here for the NBC coverage.
The FIDM Scholarship Foundation gifted the YMCA over 4,381 units of new retail brand clothing with a value of over $173,000. The gift of cold weather clothing to the community is aimed at helping homeless and in need adults and teens stay warm during the winter months.
Because of the generous donation of apparel from the FIDM Scholarship Foundation, the Y gave away over 2,000 never-worn sweaters, jeans, and coats to adults and teens in the surrounding community.
“We are thrilled for this opportunity that FIDM Scholarship Foundation has generously provided for our community in Koreatown. Being on the front-lines early in the mornings during our food distribution days, I’ve seen first-hand warm clothing is direly needed by many individuals waiting outside for up to 2 hours for food,” said Rae Jin, Executive Director, Anderson Munger Family YMCA. “In addition, the warm clothing will be greatly appreciated by the unhoused whom we also serve through our shower hygiene program. A true gift for many people, especially during this unique holiday season. This wonderful partnership magnifies that Together, We Make Possible, Happen!”
The abundant clothing donation from the FIDM Scholarship Foundation ensures future giveaways in the coming months at additional YMCA-LA locations.
“At FIDM, we feel it is very important to give back to the communities that we serve. We work all year long collecting donations to help the less fortunate and provide low-cost clothing to the community, in our FIDM Scholarship Store," relates Ella Van Nort, Director, FIDM Scholarship Foundation. “We are very fortunate to partner with YMCA-LA on this meaningful initiative. This donation would not be possible without the incredible support from all the retailers and manufacturers, that support the FIDM Scholarship Foundation, with their donations."
The FIDM Scholarship Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping students achieve a college education at FIDM. Funding comes primarily from donations of merchandise from over 400 manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers, typically in the form of clothing, accessories, fabric, cosmetics, and home furnishings. This merchandise is sold in the FIDM Scholarship Store and proceeds from store sales generate scholarships for current students. Thanks to merchandise donations, the FIDM Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $7 million in scholarships to deserving students since its inception. Upon graduating, these scholarship recipients have gone on to launch successful creative and business careers in the fashion, beauty, design, and entertainment industries.
YMCA Partners with FIDM Scholarship Foundation to Give New Clothing Away to Local Community in Need
In the spirit of the season, the Anderson Munger Family YMCA in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles gave away over 2000 never-worn sweaters, jeans, and coats to adults and teens in the surrounding community, made possible by a generous donation of apparel from the FIDM Scholarship Foundation. Three TV networks covered the event: NBC (4), ABC (7) and LA Cityview Channel 35 (affiliated with the City of Los Angeles and Mayor Garcetti's office).
The FIDM Scholarship Foundation gifted the Y over 4,381 units of new retail brand clothing with a value of over $173,000. The gift of cold weather clothing to the community is aimed at helping homeless and in need adults and teens stay warm during the winter months. The giveaway took place on December 17th from 9:30am to 11:30am on a first come, first serve basis.
“We are thrilled for this opportunity that FIDM Scholarship Foundation has generously provided for our community in Koreatown. Being on the front-lines early in the mornings during our food distribution days, I’ve seen first-hand warm clothing is direly needed by many individuals waiting outside for up to 2 hours for food,” said Rae Jin, Executive Director, Anderson Munger Family YMCA. “In addition, the warm clothing will be greatly appreciated by the unhoused whom we also serve through our shower hygiene program. A true gift for many people, especially during this unique holiday season. This wonderful partnership magnifies that Together, We Make Possible, Happen!”
The abundant clothing donation from the FIDM Scholarship Foundation ensures future giveaways in the coming months at additional YMCA-LA locations.
“At FIDM, we feel it is very important to give back to the communities that we serve. We work all year long collecting donations to help the less fortunate and provide low-cost clothing to the community, in our FIDM Scholarship Store," relates Ella Van Nort, Director, FIDM Scholarship Foundation. “We are very fortunate to partner with YMCA-LA on this meaningful initiative. This donation would not be possible without the incredible support from all the retailers and manufacturers, that support the FIDM Scholarship Foundation, with their donations."
The FIDM Scholarship Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping students achieve a college education at FIDM. Funding comes primarily from donations of merchandise from over 400 manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers, typically in the form of clothing, accessories, fabric, cosmetics, and home furnishings. This merchandise is sold in the FIDM Scholarship Store and proceeds from store sales generate scholarships for current students. Thanks to merchandise donations, the FIDM Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $7 million in scholarships to deserving students since its inception. Upon graduating, these scholarship recipients have gone on to launch successful creative and business careers in the fashion, beauty, design, and entertainment industries.
For more YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles holiday programs, visit ymcala.org. For information on the FIDM Scholarship Foundation, visit fidmscholarshipfoundation.org.
Featured Alumni Success Stories
We are so proud of our alumni, breaking new ground in the creative industries. This week, we share with you two exciting features: Rea Ann Silva and Yotam Solomon.
Rea Ann Silva was featured last month in an exhibition at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., with a multimillion-dollar product invention success story. Read her story here.
Yotam Solomon is the Creative Director of Covalent, a fashion products company that develops items out of AirCarbon. They develop regenerative, carbon-negative, totes, wallets, handbags and more. Read his story here.
Announcing the Winners and Finalists of Our Campus-Wide Live-Work Space Contest
Congratulations to the winners and finalists of our campus-wide Live-Work Space Challenge. First place goes to two winners of $1000 each: Samara Armani (Interior Design) and Christina Loy (Merchandise Product Development). Our six finalists receive $500 each: Alyssa Childers (Merchandising & Marketing), Daniel Jacks (Fashion Design), Jaylon Jones (Fashion Design), Saffia King (BA Design), Violet Meyers (Interior Design), and Sydney Samuelson (Beauty Marketing & Product Development).
In this freeform contest presentation, students were allowed to use their creativity and submit their entries in any method including, but not limited to: photographs of an actual space they created in their home, floor plans, elevation sketches, digital renderings, or paintings of the space.
Some of the judging criteria included design elements, use of color, sightlines, height, light, organization, space tricks, and clever arrangements.
All FIDM students were invited to enter the contest, launched exclusively by the college to create their ideal “live-work” space.
Review our first place winning entries:
First Place Winner: Samara Armani (Interior Design)
Click HERE to view Samara Armani's complete entry.
First Place Winner: Christina Loy (Merchandise Product Development)
Click HERE to view Christina Loy's complete entry.
Review the entries of our six finalists:
Finalist: Alyssa Childers (Merchandising & Marketing)
Finalist: Daniel Jacks (Fashion Design)
Finalist: Jaylon Jones (Fashion Design)
Finalist: Saffia King (BA Design)
Finalist: Violet Meyers (Interior Design)
Finalist: Sydney Samuelson (Beauty Marketing & Product Development)
Fashion Design Co-Chairs Introduce Voting Campaign
Vote! It’s in Fashion! is FIDM’s nonpartisan campaign to encourage students and the public to vote. Led by Fashion Design Co-Chairs, Nick Verreos and David Paul, the campaign is a timely and stylish reminder that the 2020 election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 is less than two weeks away.
"Since our students are studying online, at home, we wanted a fun way to remind them to vote … and as a college that teaches Fashion Design, among other subjects, we naturally think it's always ‘in fashion’ to vote,” said FIDM Vice President of Education Barbara Bundy. “Plus, among our students are those who just turned 18 and are excited to vote for the first time.”
Bundy added: “By coincidence, FIDM’s Co-Chairs of Fashion Design, Nick Verreos and David Paul, were inspired by this ‘voting season’ to design a red carpet gown, with the word VOTE in giant rhinestones across the front. This was created for their red carpet label, NIKOLAKI and was initially shown on KTLA TV’s Emmy special. With this inspiration … serendipity entered the vote campaign thinking at FIDM!”
LA Cityview TV/Channel 35 visited the campus earlier this week and interviewed Nick Verreos for a special segment, which you can watch here.
Visit vote.org for more information.
Photos by: Alex J. Berliner/AB Images