So I’m in my last quarter at a fashion design school.
I realized I never shared my experience going to a fashion design school. I don’t remember if I ever mentioned it prior but I’m in the Merchandise Product Development program at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles. I have a Business degree from another university so I was able to apply for the Professional Designation program at FIDM, which is about a year in length.
The Merchandise Product Development major is a slightly more technical than Fashion Design. It’s more about computer aided design, and the manufacturing process instead of hand drawings and sewing. Though the program does teach you how to sew, drape, and draw, it’s not as detailed in that aspect. The fashion design program is more about sewing and creating garments yourself, and product development is more about knowing how to translate your designs for the manufacturing process.
Back in high school, I had considered going to FIDM for fashion design but having Asian parents, they didn’t like the idea. Initially applying for FIDM, I wanted to go into the fashion design program and didn’t even know that the product development program existed. I ended up choosing product development over fashion design and like my admission adviser said, fashion design is like being an actor; not everyone is going to make it whereas product development is more practical.
As for classes, it ranges from simple hand drawing flats to computer aided designs as well as sewing garments, making patterns, and creating a line. For my last quarter, my classes are really about perfecting those skills so more computer aided designs and perfecting our portfolios. One of my classes that is taking up all my time is called Brand Portfolio Development. It’s a class in which we choose two different brands and create a line for each acting as if you’re working for that brand.
Overall, I felt like my program taught me a lot about the fashion design industry and I gained a lot of hands on knowledge. My favorites about this program would definitely be the computer aided design classes where we draw on illustrator and photoshop and the technical design class where we learn how to make designs we’ve drawn into garments.
Have you ever wanted to go into fashion design and what’s your thought on fashion design school?
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It’s so cool to study in a product development program! It sounds really practical.
Best luck for your last quarter at FIDM 🙂
xx
Elise
https://eliseay.com/
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Thank you Elise! It’s really practical but still fun
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Definitely so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished this year! 🙂 I can’t wait for your graduation! ❤ I don't think I'm talented in the design department, but I've always wanted to try fashion journalism!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
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Haha you could totally do fashion journalism! It’s not too late
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The computer aided design class sounds so much fun. I think it’ll be fascinating to see my design on screen not in papers! You must be very proud of yourself! 🙂
Dabin / http://dabindb.blogspot.kr/
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The computer aided design classes are super fun and I do really love seeing them come to life on the screen haha
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This was very insightful, thank you for sharing!
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I love reading this. The product development programme sounds quite a challenge but interesting as well. I wanted to try design a long time ago, but i ended up doing visuals & photography instead. All the best to your last quarter Vicky! x
Tiffany x
http://www.mstiffanyyang.com
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Thank you Tiffany! The program isn’t actually too challenging; it’s just a lot of work sometimes haha
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Your experience sounds so cool! All the best for your future adventure!
xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
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Thank you!
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Thanks for sharing your experience in this school. Fashion design can be a bit complicated and requires a lot of dedication and talent to go along with hard work. I really loved this post a lot. I have been in fashion marketing and other elements of fashion working in the industry and I just love the experience you gain through the channels. You have a great blog 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/05/cannes-hottest-moments.html
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Thank you. It really is a bit complicated. I just never thought about it when I first signed up for the program; there is so much that goes into making a garment before it reaches the consumer
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Wow I loved hearing your experience majoring in Merchandise Product Developing. It sounds more complicated than Fashion Design, which I appreciate! Love your sketches! They are so good!
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
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Thank you!
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Seems a rare thing to find a fashion designer with a fashion blog. Thanks for sharing this!!!
http://www.nynomads.com
Living sustainably on $100/week in NYC
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