Diary of a Fashion School Student: Majors and Schoolwork
Editor’s Note: This is part two of Caitlyn’s ongoing series about her day-to-day experiences attending fashion school at FIDM in Los Angeles. The purpose of this series is shed some light on what fashion school is REALLY like – it’s a lot different from what you see on The Hills!
In case you missed the first part in this series, check out Diary of a Fashion School Student: Introduction.
When people find out I’m in fashion school, they automatically assume I intend to be a fashion designer. When I was younger, I used to draw the same conclusion: fashion industry = fashion design. Even as a kid, I never wanted to make clothing; I just liked being around clothing. It took me a while to discover that it was possible to translate my love of fashion into a career that didn’t involve designing clothes.
After spending time in high school considering non-fashion career options like politics and psychology (which were not for me), I finally came across FIDM and had the glorious realization that I could be in the fashion industry without even having to pick up a needle and thread. Suddenly, it all made sense for me.
Fashion School Majors – The Basics
The truth is, despite attending fashion school, I’m about as far from being a fashion designer as possible. I can hardly sew on a button and my sketching skills are par. My major, Merchandise Marketing, is creative in the sense that it involves buying, selling, and marketing clothing to consumers. This major picks up where fashion design leaves off: as soon as the clothes are made, we figure out how to make them sell-able.
My major is one of the most versatile that my school offers. The program produces a large amount of fashion buyers, which, oddly enough, is something I have no interest in. Instead, there are many other routes I can go after finishing at FIDM: planning and allocating, working for a magazine, selling, writing, styling, etc. Pretty cool, right?
Student Work Photo Credit
And I’m not the only student here who’s studying to become something other than a fashion designer – The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising offers 20 majors including Knitwear Design, Film & TV Costume Design, Interior Design, Merchandise Product Development, Apparel Industry Management and Textile Design. It wouldn’t be difficult for any fashion guru to find their niche in this school.
Style 101: Fashion Schoolwork
Here at FIDM, our class schedule differs quite a bit from your typical college. Each class meets three hours at a time, once a week, for ten weeks total. So as you can imagine, there is a lot of schoolwork. FIDM runs on the quarter system which means an entire semester’s worth of work, studying and projects are crammed into ten week increments. It gets intense.
Student Work Photo Credit
All of the classes I’ve had thus far have been very project-oriented. Like most students, we must keep up on our reading outside of class, but most classes focus more on major projects and presentations than essays and exams. The hallways are lined with massive window boxes to ensure the student work is showcased in proper lighting. FIDM also teams up with many companies to do student projects, so it’s common to see Fender guitars with Graphic Design student work on them, Cadillac-inspired couture gowns and original Christian Dior sketches while walking to class.
What I’ve Learned…
Before we go, here’s a short list of things I’ve learned thus far at FIDM:
The fine art of jogging in heels; never to wear arms full of bangles on days when there is a lot of note-taking; how to paint gingerly in order to not get any on my clothes; that time management (and a Filofax) is key to success; that going to shopping centers on a weekly basis is part of unwritten homework; that smartphones are essential (since we seem to always be discussing the importance of mobile shopping and apps); that the library has every issue of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar from the 1920s; the proper way to balance my books, FIDM bag, art project, coffee and exposing student ID all while teetering on platform shoes; to always plan enough time to walk around whatever movie may be filming in the campus park; and that “Have you ever seen Lauren Conrad?” is the first question everyone asks when I say I attend FIDM.
Now it’s your turn!
Now that you’ve read about what classes and majors are like at fashion school, I want to hear from you! Would you ever consider attending fashion school? What kinds of majors would you be interested in? Do you have any questions for me about my major? I’ll try my best to answer your questions in the comments or a future edition of this series!
Posted on on February 4, 2011 / Filed Under: College Life / Tags: College Life, Diary of a Fashion Student, Fashion School, Featured, FIDM, Schoolwork, Window Displays
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Hannah
I’d love to see photos or Polyvore sets of what you and your friends wear to class every day!
Tori
This is a great series! I’m going to major in fashion merchandising and business so its great to get a preview. I get the same, “oh.. you want to design?” reactions. I would also like to know what you wear. Is it really as uptight as the media seems? I know this sounds like a shallow question but I’d really like to know what to wear.
Micalah
I love that you’re doing this series. I have a couple of questions, but I’m not sure if you’ll be able to answer them or not.
Background info- I went to a state university (University of Missouri) for just under two years majoring in psychology. But…I got married and started my family and took some time off. Now more than ever, I’ve realized my dream is to work in fashion someday.
Do you see very many non-traditional students? Or transfer students from majors other than fashion? I’m 21 now, but probably wouldn’t go back to school for at least two more years. And it would probably be in New York or possibly University of Cincinnati.
Do you know if the schedule is similar in other schools? (three hours once a week and lots of projects) Like I said, these may be questions for an admissions office later on, but I like hearing a student’s perspective too, rather than someone who’s trying to sell you on their school.
Sam
I love reading your entries, but it kinda makes me sad because I chose to attend a four year public university instead of FIDM. I’m studying fashion merchandising and I wanna be a buyer and reading your posts makes me feel like i should have attended fashion school instead.
Tania
I absolutely love that you are doing this! I am actually attending FIDM and have been for 3.5 years now :) It’s 3.5 because I’m doing the B.S. program. I’m so glad someone is out there telling people that fashion school isn’t all about looking pretty and liking clothes, but that it’s intense work. I had to laugh and agree with you on the things you’ve learned at FIDM. Great job!
Jasmine Sims
I Love this article!!! I am going to be majoring for fashion merchandising and I need more information on it. This was very helpful. I am thinking about applying to FIDM, I believe it will be a great school to attend. What are some of the projects that you have to complete? What types of jobs can you get with a fashion merchandising degree?
Alanna
i take the train to my school with a lot of FIDM kids… almost all of them always look so cute! i feel so blahh next to them but they do offer a lot of inspiration(:
Lauren C. Francis
Very well-written and interesting. Great article. =)
Diana
Well,I’ll probably be attending a fashion school in an year,but I haven’t really sorted it all out yet…Just like you I used to think that being a fashion designer is my best option,but now I’m trying to think outside the box and maybe consider something else fashion-related… I just wanted to ask about fashion styling…What does that really consist in?
Christina
So I have a quick question that maybe you could answer when you get the chance, When you applied, what did they look for? Did you send in a portfolio of drawings even though that wasn’t you desired major?
Annie
Wow, sounds like an exciting place to be. My major is completely not fashion related (med school) , but I still enjoyed your post!
Jordan
Do you (the author) have a personal Facebook? I’d love to pick your brain about school. I applied to FIT recently and am considering pursuing a similar major.
Caitlyn - FIDM
Hannah, What a GREAT idea! I will have to try to include some in future posts. If you’re curious, here’s FIDM’s flickr. It contains a ton of photos of student outfits on campus. Be sure to check out the Halloween contest photos! http://www.flickr.com/photos/fidm/sets/
Tori, Great selection in career path! ; ) I supposse that dressing really depends on the school you go to. Here at FIDM it is exceptionally rare to see anyone dressed in sweats. But our educators and peers are our professionals in the industry, so it is very important to impress them. After all, it is fashion school! If that’s your passion, why wouldn’t you want to dress the part everyday?
Micalah, Thanks so much for your comment – I’m really glad you chose to ask about these things. First off, we have a TON of students in Professional Designation. Basically that means they attended another school and got their degree, then decided to change to FIDM. Although I’m assuming the majority of students came from high school, you’d be suprised at how many 21+ students there are attending school here. As far as the schedule, I couldn’t answer that for you. I presume at a University it’s on a MWF/TTh schedule, but I’m not sure about fashion schools.
One thing I thought I’d throw out there for you is to look for schools with great connections with the fashion industry itself. FIDM, for example, has a career center that has strong ties with the industry. They have job fairs and will help coach you through anything to get your dream job. School itself is so important, but what’s really crucial is the hands-on experience. I imagine the fashion schools in New York are the same way!
Sam, I promise my posts were not intended to make one sad! I don’t really know your situation, but I know FIDM is VERY helpful about students who choose to switch. If you’ve done your general education, you can come in as a Professional Designation student and skip a bunch of the lower-level classes and graduate in only a couple of quarters.
Tania, It’s such a small world! : ) I hope to see you around campus. How are you liking the Bachelor’s program?
Jasmine, In my program, I’ve had to do major projects and presentations with research on brands and stores, lots of case studies about merchandising strategies for stores, trend forecasting binders and presentations, research dossiers on designers, research on textiles and colors, and projects about the history of fashion. Most of the projects aren’t as hands-on as say, Visual Communication or Merchandise Product Development. It’s all really fun but I promise you there’s a LOT! In the merchandising degree, you can be a buyer, planning, allocating, boutique owner, stylist, or bassically anything on the business end. Just so you know, there’s a lot of math involved in my major.
Diana, with styling you can do so many different things. You could style models for a magazine, celebs for events, displays for a store, personal shopping, or bassically anything or anyone you wanted to dress up!
Christina, When I applied, I was given nine days to come up with a lookbook project that consisted of if I owned a store, what is the sportswear looks I’d sell, formalwear, etc. Then I had to write two short papers, get three recommendations, take a few tests, and send it in to be sitting on the desk of an admissions advisor in that nine day time!
Jordan, I absolutely do. You can look me up if you’d love to chat more. I’d love to hear about FIT and their application process.. my facebook is facebook.com/caitlyngordon
Caitlyn - FIDM
To everyone else, thank you so much for reading and all the support! If you have any questions, please let me know. If not, be sure to check out my next journal in two weeks.
Jessica
I’m a junior in high school and my dream job is to be a stylist like Rachel Zoe (or even work for her one day!). I was wondering what you have to major in and what classes you have to take to be a stylist.
Tania
I love it when I find people that go to FIDM as well. :) The bachelor’s program is so different from the fashion program. It’s lots of reading and papers, but I’m learning a lot!
Rosie
Hi,
I would like to know how was your interview to enter FIDM proceed majoring in Merchandise Marketing? Did you have to show up with a portfolio ?
I’m hoping to study fashion once I’m done with my bachelor degree in Communication.
You’re definitely an inspiration and motivate people like me :) I love fashion but obviously it takes me a while too.
Caitlyn - FIDM
Jessica, Everyone at FIDM loves Rachel Zoe! She is a wonder. Most students that are interested in styling go with the Visual Communications major. V Comm students take a lot of sketching & drafting, digital imaging, concepts classes, trends classes, lighting techniques, etc. I’m afraid to say I don’t know much about the major except my best friend is in it and LOVES it. She has a lot of very hands-on projects. Here’s a link to the major’s website.. it may be more help. http://fidm.edu/majors/visual-communications/curriculum.html
Rosie, Since I was 2,000 miles away from FIDM when I was accepted, I didn’t have an in-person interview. I did have two formal interviews on the phone. I was interviewed once by my admissions advisor who then invited me to apply at the end of the interview. From that point, I had nine days to compile a lookbook project, write two short papers, get three recommendations take a few tests, and send it all to have on the desk of an admissions advisor in California by the time of my next interview. It was intense because of the time constraints, but I’ll tell you it was a good indicator of what school is like here.
You are so very kind, Rosie! I hope to inspire others to see they can always pursue what they love doing.
Natalia
I attend a fashion career in Mexico, so I really felt relief when someone at last could say how much work we do have, because here everybody thinks my homework is gossiping over a fashion magazine. I wish the best of luck in the fashion industry to all of you =)
nina
I really loved this article, i am also thinking of going to FIDM. It’s my dream school actually. But i would really want to know more about Fashion Merchandising, i read about it before but i would like to know more, like what is a career you could go into after you graduate? I really love fashion but i am not much of a drawer… So Fashion Merchandising sounds perfect for me. But like i said i would like to know more. :)
Caitlyn - FIDM
Nina, The Merchandise Marketing major is definitely one of the most broad ones at FIDM. A lot of buyers for big companies major in Merch Marketing, but you could also be a store owner, planner or allocator, work in supply chain management or wholesale operations, or trend forecasting. Basically you get a lot of the behind-the-scenes operations and business side of the industry.
Celeste
Hi Caitlyn!
First of all, thanks for sharing your experiences with us! you’re giving us a real and complete insight of what fashion school it’s about.
I’d like to ask you something… look, I’m 22, Mexican and I’m doing a double degree in B.A. Marketing and Management.
I’m currently studying in France but I’ll be getting my diploma in December 2011.
I’m really interested in pursuing a career in Fashion Mkt/Merchandising so FIDM and FIT seem really interesting options but I’m afraid of being “too old” to start from zero over there you know?
I talked to one of the academic advisors at FIT and he told me that I can do the One-Year Associate Degree Program and then get to the undergraduate program (because my school it’s all business and not really artsy)…
What do you think? do you have classes with older girls like me?
Sometimes I think it might be too late to do this and I should just try to get into the Fashion industry by other ways…
Thanks and best of luck! *
P.S. Sorry for the long message but I’d really appreciate your opinion :)
Celeste
Jasmyn
I have a quick question: what exact classes are you taking this quarter? Or is there any one particular class you love already? And could you go into detail about what the classes are about?
Lauren
Hey, I’m from Australia and it is my dream to attend FIDM. Is the international entry very competitive? Also, is Visual Communications the major I would take to become a stylist for a magazine or celebrity?
Caitlyn - FIDM
Celeste, First off, you have nothing to worry about with age! Please please please don’t let that be a concern and stop you from doing what you want to do. I’m glad you talked to the advisor at FIT because I don’t know much about their programs. As far as FIDM goes, we have a ton of Professional Designation students. This means they are students who have gotten a degree elsewhere and decided to transfer to FIDM. Depending on the number of courses you’ve already taken, you could be done with FIDM in a short amount of time. I think usually it’s about one year’s worth of classes, but I know a girl who majored in some kind of fashion merchandise program at the University of Texas who is only taking two quarters.
Most of all, I want you to know that it is NOT too late to do what you want to do! Girl, you’re 22! Even if you started school at 28, I wouldn’t say you were too old. You’re young, fabulous, and you should follow your desires.
Jasmyn, this quarter I have my last general study class which is Critical Thinking. For some reason, I’m really enjoying it and it doesn’t feel like a general class at all. My teacher is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met and we have had some interesting assignments about advertising. I also have Applied Trend Forecasting (the upper level trends class for Merchandise Marketing students) which I LOVE. We have presentations due every single week.. we just finished our color trends unit and this week are learning about synthetic textile trends and performance fabrics. Another class I really enjoy is Consumer Behavior and Research. Since I love psychology, I adore this class. We learn about why people act how they act and how that translates into their shopping and spending habits. We have one major group project all quarter in which we choose a consumer group (that we aren’t a member of) and do as much research about them as possible. We have to really immerse ourselves in their lifestyle and see what makes them tick. I chose somewhat-spoiled girls between the ages of 5-12. For example, we have to go to their favorite stores (American Girl Place, Justice, kids section at Nordstrom, Target kids section), and go to events they would like, watch the TV they watch, etc.
My other classes are Merchandise Math which is mostly learning buying math. Budgeting and profit and loss statements and all of that. I also have Management Concepts this quarter which really teaches you the bare bones of how management systems work.
Lauren, I know a TON of international students here at FIDM! Unfortunately I don’t know much about the application process because I think it varies on your background. An advisor could help more with that. But I must tell you that I know a few people from Australia in my major, bunches of students from Asia and a ton from Europe, so I’m sure you’d have no issues. : ) And yes, V. Comm is the correct major for that.
Danielle
I’m starting college next month online to be a fashion merchandiser so I have loved reading your posts! I would love to go to FIDM, but it’s not in the plans for me so I’m taking online schooling which I am just as excited about. It almost works out better so that I can keep my job and babysitting jobs. As soon as I read your first two paragraphs I smiled. Almost everyone I’ve talked to about being a fashion merchandiser automatically thinks you will be designing clothing. I hear “oh you’re going to make the dresses and outfits then?” all the time! It’s as if nobody knows there’s more than just designing out there. I think you and I are very similar because I also searched a million other careers until I found my heart pulling at this one! I wish you well with your schooling and hope you have a great time at FIDM and with a future career.
Alexis
It’s my ultimate dream right now to attend FIDM. I adore clothes but as you stated, can’t put them together from scratch to save my life. But I can’t help but wonder, is this a step people aiming towards a career in fashion take FIRST? Do they enroll into FIDM fresh out of high school? If so, then what? I always wanted to become a fashion editor or a buyer for a company of some sort. Your post helped me a lot though! I’m certain that FIDM is where I want to go.
Hailey
Hey Caitlyn,
I loved your post! I’m in my last semester of Business Management but my heart has always been with fashion! When I was younger I use to draw little designs but as I got older I wasn’t really interested in the design part of fashion.
I plan on moving on to university in January but i am not sure what is I want to major in. I would LOVE a career in fashion but I don’t want to end up working in the mall.. I find marketing to be really interesting & something I could possibly see myself doing. I am really stuck! I want a career that incorporates business, marketing & fashion and obviously good paying lol I just don’t know what that career choice could be..
I was also wondering if you knew exactly what a planner/allocator, supply chain management or wholesale operations, or trend forecast actually do.
Thanks so much!!
kavi
hi caitlyn,
wow wonderful article… i think you are a right person to answer me. i run fashion designing courses on a small scale. Can you say some small projects for my students to improve their creative… expecting your reply. Thank u so much
Socialite14
I would definitely consider attending a fashion school.
Such a fun major you have !!!!
Danielle
Hey lets say I did not go to a fashion school
and majored in either Public Relations or Communications
could I later on use those majors in like Fashion Management or something like that? Help me out! Im a high schooler now going thru the never ending college process!!!
Kristin
Reading your blgo posts about fashion school makes me kinda wish that I’d gone to fashion school…
Shayne
I’m about to graduate from high school and am trying to decide a major. I know for sure it will be in the world of fashion, but I am unsure of what exactly. I was thinking more on the side of Fashion Communications, but I was also told that because FC and Fashion Merch Marketing are so broad and the courses are closely related that they can be almost interchangeable. I’d like to know what you think.
josie
hi im still in highschool so i know its pretty early but fashion merchandising is something i’m very interested in pursuing really anything in the fashion industry its my dream and ive always had such a passion for it but i would like to know where to start i want to start early to help me achieve my goal like is there any high school courses i could take and what not
Gabriela
Hello! I was certainly amazed with your article. I’ve been wanting to attend FIDM, but i’m in love with everything; the short videos i’ve watched, etc..
The point is that i want something in the fashion industry but i’m not sure exactly what it is that i want to major in and i love sewing, matching, make-up, and entertainment! Since im very outgoing i would like something to be out there and having fun and loving what i do.
So please help! What would think it’ll be best for me? Thank you!
*sorry i wrote to much but i hope to hear from you :)
xoxo
Bree Lopez
sorrry im a little late on this, but i hope you will still see it and reply. im so happy i found this! im supposed to start school at FIDM la in Oct. i got in my junior year as well and never saw myself going any where else. i didnt care if i wasnt going to get a BA or be in a sorority or go to footballl games. i loved how i would be able to focus on my major and not have to sit there for two years doing general ed stuff (ive never really been the school type) now that it comes down to it im really second guessing it all. i realized that i would love to be in a sorority, go to big football games, and really get my college experience. but then i sit there and look at all my fidm stufff it makes me sad cause i always pictured myself there. as far as my career goes i reallly want to be in pr or event planning something like that. id love to plan award shows and fahion shows. im a vcom major and i really dont know if that is going to teach me the skillls i need to know to go on to the career i want. if i chose a four year university route i was thinking something like a communication major or a pr major…. any advice?
Caitlyn - FIDM
Hi, Josie! Thanks for the comment.
The best thing to do is to keep your grades up at this point. FIDM is strict about only accepting students with good work ethic that are motivated and dedicated to the industry. Just keep reading fashion blogs (which it’s clear you already do!) and keep up to date on current trends and news. I’m not sure how far along you are in high school, but during your Sophomore summer or Junior year, contact admissions at FIDM. You can start the application process early during your Junior year.
Hope that helps! Good luck with everything.
Caitlyn - FIDM
Thanks for the comment, Gabriela!
I know how difficult it can be to choose. It sounds like the major that would match your tastes the best is Visual Communication. My best friend is a V. Comm major and it’s a ton of work, but she’s always doing really neat stuff. They do everything from window displays to making lighting to styling classes and events. It sounds like that would be right up your alley! It’s very creative, but not fashion design.
FIDM has descriptions of majors on their website, if you haven’t seen that. Otherwise, I did write an article for College Fashion about the different majors offered, which you can check out here: http://www.collegefashion.net/college-life/fashion-school-101-a-comprehensive-guide-to-fashion-school-majors/
Wishing you all the best! xo
Caitlyn - FIDM
Hey Bree, I’m sorry to hear you’re second-guessing it!
You asked if FIDM will give you the skills for event planning or PR – YES. They not only are perfect for that industry, they have the connections in the career center to place you in great jobs that you will not be able to get from a normal university.
With that said, if you’re second-guessing and don’t see yourself happy at fashion school, then don’t go! FIDM is a very fast-paced and driven school. Students 100% dedicate themselves to their school work and careers, so if you’re unsure, you’re not going to be happy. Time flies and schoolwork is the #1 focus. So if you don’t love it, I guarantee you won’t be happy. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! FIDM isn’t for everyone. If you’d rather have a normal college experience, then by all means, more power to ya girl! ; )
Best of luck!
Brianne B
I’m actually thinking about transferring to FIDM ! I’ve been playing phone tag with one of the advisors for about. . . . . a week or so.lol i just think merchandising is a great major and unfortunately there is nothing fashion oriented at University of Nebraska-Omaha sooooo yea! :) Great article
kelli tyson
this is great! i love that school. I was going to go but it’s really expensive for out of state fees. so i’m at the art institute studying fashion. I have one question, do you have to major in Fashion Design to become a designer?
Angel
Hi I read a lot of good reviews about FIDM and I love your article. I am 45 years old and always wanted to make clothes and design. I have 6 kids and that makes me delay to pursue what I love to do, now my kids are in college, high school and elementary sch doing really well so I think its time for me to attend FIDM But what worries me is that FIDM might not allow old folks to attend..am I gonna be the oldest one there..I might be old in age but Im a hard working mom..and very active and really want to design my own clothes…looking forward to hear from you and what advice you give..Thanks a lot and God Bless!
edidiong
sounds pretty ausome my question is do pple attend normal school classes? apart frm art n designing?
edidiong
do pple attend normal school clases apart frm art and designs?
Aley
Hii, I’m surprised that you have the same career choice as me :) I jst wanted to know about your experience finding a job because I’m worried that I won’t find one (without experience) that is good paying, after graduating? Hope you can help, thanks.