Grad Melissa Pellone's Design Featured on the Cover of People Health Magazine
Fashion Design Graduate Melissa Pellone's Tuileries pink dress, from her PELLONE collection, is worn by Tichina Arnold's daughter, Alijah, on the cover of People Health's Winter issue.
Born and raised in New York, in a suburb just upstate from Manhattan, Melissa was a Parsons pre-college academy student from the age of 15. "One day, I had packed up a bit too early, not realizing the lunch period wasn't actually over yet. Not wanting to go all the way down to the cafeteria, I saw there was a college fair that afternoon right across the hall," she said. "So I went in, and FIDM just happened to be there. I spoke to the representatives and they took my information, who later sent me an invitation to take a tour of the campus and attend the DEBUT Runway Show."
Melissa had never been to Los Angeles or anywhere on the West Coast. She spoke with one of FIDM's "really wonderful" admissions advisors and learned about the different majors the college offered. When Melissa visited the campus, she was impressed. "Then, when I attended DEBUT, I just knew this was the school for me," she explained. She attended the L.A. campus and graduated with a degree in Fashion Design at just 20 years old.
"Everything I learned at FIDM helped prepare me for the industry," she said. "You build an amazing foundation of skills as a student, and as the program continues you build upon those valuable skills. What I really love is how specific the curriculum is to the field, and they are always updating and innovating as the industry evolves and changes."
Post-graduation, Melissa worked as a designer for various major corporate apparel brands, specializing in full collection development with a focus on contemporary dresses and separates. After years working in the industry, she decided to follow her heart and create her own women's collection, PELLONE, which was launched on the runway at Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2018.
As for the People Health cover story, in which Tichina Arnold and her daughter share their personal story and bring awareness to asthma, Melissa said she was honored Alijah chose to wear her dress. She said: "It's a classic design in construction paired with modern twists--cut out side details, lace tie back, and a high/low hemline--in a beautiful bright shade of pink which which matches her wonderful and vibrant spirit."
Learn more about Melissa at melissapellone.com
Categories: Fashion Design
