Student
Student Bianca Herrera Gains New Insight on Study Tour
Merchandise Product Development student Bianca Nicole Herrera recently participated in our Behind The Scenes Industry Study Tour, visiting the Los Angeles offices of Ted Baker, Modcloth, and Fabletics. She said the study tour has piqued her interest in specializing in footwear or technical design in the future.
What did you think of the Ted Baker visit? I loved visiting Ted Baker! The brand is so quirky. Everyone who works in the LA office is unique and passionate about their work. I learned a lot about the brand from Patrick. I also adored how much attention to detail goes to their products. The brand shows a good balance between the traditional-older customer and the traditional-modern customer. For example, I don't wear much color (Ted's designs are based on color), but I would definitely wear some of the pieces from their Color by Numbers line. They have something for everyone. That's fantastic! I also learned about the concepts behind their store designs. What I liked the most was how every design is dependent on its demographic area. No two stores are the same. That’s important because they are connecting with the customer from that region. It’s just like humans: I am different from the person next to me, yet we all have something to offer. The brand embraces those differences and encourages their customer to be unapologetically themselves. From the designers to the merchandisers, the team at Ted Baker comes together to create long-lasting and beautiful product.
Why do you think it's important to meet and network with professionals in the industry, as a student -- like you are doing on this study tour? I think it's important to meet and network with professionals because you get an insight of what the work is actually like. As a Professional Designation student, I'm only at FIDM for one year before I can join the industry and apply everything I learned in four quarters (besides internships). Also, getting to interact with professionals gives me the opportunity to explore my options. I've heard this at FIDM multiple times since I started this quarter, "Keep your mind open. Where you start is not where you might end up." It's true! After visiting Ted Baker and Modcloth, I've been thinking about pursuing another degree—in Footwear Design or Apparel Technical Design.
Tell us a little about yourself: I was born in Eagle Pass, a small border town in South Texas. My mother was a professor who worked with deaf students and people with physical disabilities, so we lived in Mexico for eight years before moving back to my hometown. At fifteen, I moved to Austin, Texas, to live with my aunt. With my aunt’s endless support, I graduated with my Associate of Arts Degree in English this past summer before transferring to FIDM. I'm continuously inspired by people, art, architecture, and literature the most. I grew up writing, but fashion has always held a special place in my heart. Selena Quintanilla and Oscar Wilde are my fashion icons.
What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? I applied to FIDM when I was eighteen years old. Back then, I wanted to start my own company. I am twenty years old now and I still want to have my own business one day and maybe write for a fashion magazine such as Vogue. During the past two years it took me to get here, my mentality about what kind of company I want to own has changed. Following the recent United Nations announcement, I would like to produce sustainable, eco-friendly products which treat people and the environment with kindness and respect.
Anything else you’d like to share? I am thrilled to be part of this study tour. I am excited for all the possibilities and opportunities FIDM has to offer!
Categories: Merchandise Product Development Los Angeles Campus Student
