Alumni
Recent Grad is Assistant Stylist at Savage X Fenty
Born in the Philippines, Thea Calaguio immigrated to American as a child. Influenced by the art, hip-hop scene, culture, and diversity of the Bay Area of Northern California where she grew up, she said that for as long as she can remember she's had an interest in fashion. This year she graduated from FIDM with her degree in Merchandise Product Development and turned her freelancing opportunity at Savage X Fenty into a full-time position as a stylist assistant working on a variety of projects including collaborations with Usher’s Las Vegas residency. She graduated from James Logan High School in Union City, California in 2014 and attended the Art Institute in North Hollywood for Fashion Marketing before transferring to FIDM. We caught up with her to learn more about her journey.
Tell us about your position at Savage X Fenty: I began freelancing for Savage X Fenty and recently got a full-time position as a stylist assistant. The styling team handles the e-com shoots, campaigns, and many other projects such as collaborations with Usher’s Las Vegas residency and our social media shoots. That could mean I can be on set, prepping and making sure everything is up to Savage’s standards, to prepping and pulling samples for upcoming projects. I am also on virtual photoshoots to make sure the samples are on correctly and the photos are exactly what we need!
Walk us through a typical day for you at Savage X Fenty: My day-to-day always looks pretty different depending on the week. I usually start by checking my emails and planning out the day, and our team delegates different tasks. We can start by creating shot lists for our member model, e-com, and pinning photoshoots then start pulling samples in correct sizes. We also reach out to other brands for accessories or shoes, depending on how big our photoshoots are. Most days, I am on set or on virtual shoots and ensuring our pieces are on correctly and styled with the appropriate accessories.
What are the things you love about working in the fashion industry as a stylist? My favorite thing about being a stylist is making others feel confident in what they’re in and accentuating someone’s personal style and features. Being surrounded by the latest clothes and brands is also a plus haha. I love playing around with different looks and matching clothes to a person’s own style and aesthetic.
Why did you choose FIDM? I transferred to FIDM after the Art Institute in Hollywood closed down. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in fashion and FIDM was actually my first choice in high school, so it all worked out. FIDM has always been a well renowned school in California for their successful alumni, with many different programs that can lead to different career paths.
How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you are doing now? FIDM has taught me so much that I never imagined was integral to the industry. Not only did FIDM teach me the basics of the industry—from vocabulary to the science of fabric, I learned how to create CAD sketches and use programs such as Abobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, which made me a strong candidate for my job now as a stylist. I am able to really explain and convey my ideas and thoughts properly and visually. Because of my FIDM education, I am able to create strong mood boards, sketch out my designs, create patterns for those designs, and actually sew them. FIDM also taught me the business aspect, and I understand the numbers/sales behind the creatives. I feel like FIDM made us very well rounded and taught us almost every aspect of the fashion industry.
Any favorite FIDM memories, classes, or instructors? My favorite professors would be Amendolara and Barragan. Professor Amendolara taught us about Textile Science. I couldn’t have learned about all the different types of fabrics and the way they move on a body without him! Professor Barragan really prepared me for interviews and creating my portfolio.
There are many amazing memories at FIDM, but I also met some of my closest friends that share my interests and ambitions!
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to FIDM? My advice to students applying would be to come in with an open mind about their career in fashion, and to maybe intern, if possible, in different positions and see what they truly like. It’s great to see, for example, how designers, stylists, and buyers work, and the reality of it. Styling is A LOT of physical and mental work; it’s not just playing dress up.
I would also advise students that FIDM is not easy, nor is it a college where you can procrastinate and put your work off until the last minute. Trust me, I tried that in my first quarter and it did not go so well haha! You really have to be passionate about fashion and what you do in order to succeed.
What is your biggest goal right now? My biggest goal currently is to become an independent stylist for a rapper. The music industry is a bit difficult but hip-hop and fashion are my passion. In 10+ years however, I hope to become a fashion editor of a magazine.
Anything else you’d like to share? FIDM is a great opportunity to learn and enter the fashion industry. I would take advantage of the time and resources. My biggest mistake was not utilizing the sewing labs and asking more questions from my professors who are more than willing to help out!
Keep up with Thea Calaguio on Instagram @akathayz.
Categories: Merchandise Product Development Alumni
