Alumni
FIDM Welcomes Alumni Guest Speaker from Savage x Fenty
FIDM Director Miguel Barragan invited Merchandise Product Development Graduate and Savage x Fenty Senior Product Development Manager Derrick Alexander as a guest speaker this week for the Premier Marketing and Merchandise Product Development Groups. Derrick shared his journey in the fashion industry over the past 10 years and answered questions from the students.
Derrick started out studying Hospitality Management in college, but when he took a course in fashion, he knew he needed to switch. “I’ve never been happier with this direction.”
As a student at FIDM, he worked full-time at Nordstrom at The Grove where he said it was interesting because he was exposed to new trends and designs. He met someone there who led him to an opportunity at TOMS. Their eyewear product team was visiting Nordstrom doing research. A year later when they opened a pop-up, they needed someone with retail savvy, and he was the perfect match.
“They needed a retail operations specialist, and I jumped on the opportunity. It was a serendipitous moment,” he said. “There are so many contacts in Los Angeles. We’re lucky we’re here.”
Derrick worked at TOMS for over eight years, working his way up—retail operations, merchandising, assortment planning, product development, and ultimately product development manager.
At the eight year mark, he was ready for a change, and he went from footwear at TOMS to intimate apparel at Savage x Fenty. He said in the interview, he explained how he could do the work, that process translates over across categories.
“Every company has their own way of doing things, but FIDM gives you the ground rules about how to get the job done.”
His advice for the students is to apply for every job. “Take every interview as an experience,” he said, “And add them on LinkedIn. Know that you’re not going to have the perfect job at first, but also know that your efforts will pay off.”
Derrick also works for his husband and costume designer, Howie B., as a freelance design assistant. Howie B. has created looks for Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Saweetie, and more in the entertainment industry.
During a Q&A session, Derrick talked about a typical day at Savage x Fenty, and how much Rihanna is involved in the process. “This week there is a big meeting with Rihanna. She reviews everything—style, fabric, design—and has the final say. She will be seeing my work.”
Categories: Merchandise Product Development Alumni Transfer Student
