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UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE BY BREAKING THE STYLE RULES

6/26/2018

Photo credit: carodaur

Feeling tired of your current wardrobe but don’t want to spend a fortune updating it? Here are some ideas on how to give your look a revamp without spending a penny. Instead of buying anything new, why not try taking a different look at your wardrobe and pair up pieces that you wouldn’t have thought would go together? Maxi dresses over jeans, clashing pinks, dressed up denim to work? We’re loving them all and sharing our favorite unusual combinations below!

LAYERING

Photo credit: HelenaBordon

Try pairing your maxi dress with a pair of flats and a long trench worn open for a different silhouette. Remove the standard belt that comes with the trench, and add a long leather belt tied on the side for gorgeous summer elegance.

Photo credit: Thefashionguitar

Photo credit: HelenaBordon

Looking to funk up your look? Wear an oversized shirt with a midi length skirt. Accessorize with one of your colored bags for an added splash of color.

DRESSES OVER JEANS

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Photo credit: annasokol

Photo credit: Eurasian Vogue (Stacy Fan)

Have a maxi dress or long layered top that you've become a little bored with? Try wearing it over a pair of jeans to mix it up!

Photo credit: LaLa Rudge

If you own a pair of denim shorts, give them a revamp with a pair of bright heels and layer them with a long maxi top.

MIX AND MATCH

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Pull out one of your fun summer tops, or even an evening top and mix it with a cute summer neutral skirt, statement necklace and wear with a pair of slides to keep the look pool side party ready.

Photo credit: Eurasian Vogue (Stacy Fan) Dress by SILKNY

Thought your maxi dress only worked for daytime? Give it a new look by wearing it with a pair of fierce heels to make it perfect for a summer evening out.

Photo credit: carodaur

Love your athleisurewear pants but thought they were only gym wear appropriate? Think again, try wearing them with a white long sleeved top, sneakers and an oversized coat. The key to keeping the look polished is all in the details, wear with a pair of colored earrings, pile up the rings and add a pair of sunglasses. Perfect for coffee with the girls.

Photo credit: carodaur

Got a pair of wide leg sweatpants but not sure how to wear them without looking like you've just rolled out of bed? keep your hair sleek with a half pulled back do. Wear one of your long sleeved neutral knits and if you own a pair of dressy pumps, wear them with your most ladylike bag and cute sunnies. The best part, it's effortlessly chic and oh so comfortable!

Photo credit: carodaur

The wide leg culottes and wide leg leather pant craze lasted for some time, so it's likely you might well have a pair in your wardrobe. Why not give them an update for summer evenings with a summer floral cropped top?

SKIRTS AND T'S

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A staple in most people's wardrobes, the pencil skirt or midi skirt. Thought you could only wear it for work or dressed up evenings? Try pairing it with one of your t-shirts. Logo, slogan, and bright colored T's all work perfectly to give the skirt an update. Wear with a pair of heels either neutral or bright clashing ones depending on how standout you want the look to be, and a wide belt to change the look up even more. Keep hair back to keep the look pulled together.

MIDI SKIRTS AND SNEAKERS

Photo credit: HelenaBordon

Photo credit: LaLa Rudge

Most of us own a pretty summer skirt, but you might not have tried giving it a make under by wearing it with a plain t-shirt and cute sneakers. Perfect for weekend shopping and casual lunch with friends.

Photo credit: LaLa Rudge

Similar to the summer skirt, give your maxi dress a dress down by wearing it with a pair of sneakers. A black trench for cooler days will give your dress a whole new look.

MIX IT UP

Photo credit: HelenaBordon

You might not think of wearing your maxi skirt and poncho or cape together, especially in summer but the look is perfect for those summer nights. It gives a completely new look to the pieces and allows you to wear your cape through summer!

Photo credit: HelenaBordon

If you own a brightly colored summer dress but always wear it with neutral accessories, why not pair it with some bright accessories to jazz it up even more? A colored or even patterned handbag and some statement sunglasses will give the look a fashion overhaul.

Photo credit: LaLa Rudge

Own a lace skirt that you only thought could be worn for full on evening glamour? Why not wear it as a glam summer cover up for your holidays? Simply wear it with a black bikini and you can go from beach to bar in one easy step.

Photo credit: Eurasian Vogue (Stacy Fan)

If you have a plain black dress in your wardrobe and feel it's not bright enough for summer, being out a pair of bright colored heels, a standout necklace and sunglasses to make it work for summer days.

Photo credit: HelenaBordon

If you own a pair of leather trousers but only thought they were night time suitable, dress them down by layering them with an oversized shirt, plain t-shirt and belt it to give the look some shape. Want to really make the outfit pop? Pull out your patterned ankle boots and layer some necklaces.

CLASH THOSE COLORS

Photo credit: Thefashionguitar

Photo credit: HelenaBordon

Neon on neon! Own a pair of bright colored pants or coat and bright shoes or bag but never been sure how to wear them? First instinct might be to pair the pieces with black, but try wearing the two together. Yellow and pink go surprisingly well together!

Photo credit: Thefashionguitar

A small detail to update your look is to add a pair of fashion socks with a pair of heeled sandals that match your outfit. Extra bonus, keeps your feet a little more comfortable in those heels!

KNITS AND SKIRTS

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A great look for summer evenings, a floral summer skirt, and a three quatre sleeved or full length wool knit. Not overly obvious to pair together but a great way to forgo a jacket for evenings and to keep your evening look cool, feminine and comfortable! (Cute puppy optional!)

Photo credit: LaLa Rudge

ANKLE BOOTS / OTK BOOTS

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Photo Credit: Thefashionguitar

Officially summer but still feeling a little brisk outside or just want to be comfortable for some weekend strolling? Wear your maxi dress with your autumn ankle boots. It will totally change your overall look and immediately reinvent your dress.

Photo credit: LaLa Rudge

Photo credit: bat_gio

About to put your OTK boots away for summer? You might want to reconsider. Wear them with a summer lace dress or skirts this summer. It will toughen up those feminine dresses and takes them up a fashion notch and suitable for a glam night out.

SUMMER TIME WORK WEAR

Photo credit: LaLa Rudge

Love wearing those elegant skirts over the weekend and sad to put them away for the work week? Provided you work in a fairly fashion friendly work place, try wearing your elegant summer skirts with a neutral top and heels for work.

Photo Credit: Thefashionguitar

A great summer work wardrobe is to wear pastel hues. Oversized trousers, pale trench coats and light knits all work well together and allow you to get some more use out of those spring items a little longer. Perfect for air-con filled offices whilst keeping your look light and airy.

Photo Credit: Eurasian Vogue (Stacy Fan) Pants by SILKNY

Denim is usually a no no for the office unless it's 'casual fridays' however if you have a pair that are a blend with cotton or silk, they can be workwear appropriate as well as perfect for summer. Wear them with a blouse or smart three quarter length top, heels and fun sunglasses for after work!

Photo credit: LaLa Rudge

A long maxi skirt might not seem suitable for work, but by wearing it with a tucked in white blouse it can be great for work. Make it more casual for after work by knotting the blouse at the front.

OVERSIZED JACKETS AND SKIRTS

Photo Credit: Thefashionguitar

Photo credit: bat_gio

Trying pulling out one of your oversized jackets or statement coats when wearing a mid length or denim skirt this summer. It gives a totally different silhouette to your skirt.

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CATWALK HISTORY: THROUGH THE LENS OF MICHEL ARNAUD

6/19/2018

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Some of the supermodels Arnaud photographed throughout the years.

The time, 1970-1997, the photographer, Michel Arnaud. Taking us back to an era of the true supermodel, the evolution of the runway show and Arnaud was privy to it all and now thanks to both Arnaud’s generosity and FIDM Museum, so are we with his first ever exhibition, Capturing The Catwalk, Runway Photography From Michel Arnaud, open now at the FIDM Museum.

Working for both Vogue Magazine and exclusively for American Harper’s Bazaar, from 1992-1997 under the renowned fashion editor, Elizabeth Tilbaris, Arnaud helped establish fashion journalism, truly capturing some of the most famous and profound fashion moments in trends, couture and ready-to wear, by recording them through his photography as well as taking intimate snaps of famous supermodels such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell both on the runway as well as backstage. Arnaud has even given us access to sneak peaks of the countless after parties through his lens.

One of the pieces in the exhibition features this Versace sequined bustier paired with the photo of Arnaud's own photo of model Yazmeen Ghauri from the runway.

From 1970, Arnaud travelled every fashion season to Paris, Milan, New York, and London to cover the fall and spring Haute couture as well as the ready-to-wear collections. Recording the most iconic fashion houses such as Dior, Chanel, Versace, Armani and Valentino.

Some of the Chanel accessories Arnaud shot during his time as a fashion photographer

Stacy Fan with Michel Arnaud and CEO of Capsul Jewelry, Tina Cheng

Over the years, Arnaud has tracked the evolution of ready-to-wear, and following famous supermodels throughout the height of their careers.

Fast forward to May 2018 and we're fortunate enough that Arnaud's exhibition is now available for public viewing, allowing us to explore his work throughout the years. So generously donated by Arnaud to FIDM Museum, Capturing The Catwalk exhibition opened in May 2018 and will run until July 7th 2018. Featuring the archive of his runway photography which consists of over 200,000 color photographs, the earliest being the 1974 Chloé Fall / Winter 1974 prêt-à-porter collection in Paris, up to the collections of Fall / Winter 1997. The exhibition is even paired up, when possible, with the look from the runway show.

ICONIC LOOKS, SHOT BY ARNAUD

I was fortunate enough to visit the exhibition ahead of its opening in May, followed by an intimate dinner with Arnaud, his lovely family, The Vice President of Education at FIDM / FIDM’s museum director Barbara Bundy, and FIDM’s president, Tonian Hohberg as well as the team at the FIDM Museum responsible for recording the thousands of photographs, and curating the exhibition so wonderfully.

The evening gave the guests the unique opportunity to discuss Arnaud’s extensive work as well as giving us an understanding from the FIDM Museum's team on the work that went into putting the breathtaking exhibition together. It’s truly a gift to be able to see such incredible moments recorded in fashion history through the talented eye of Arnaud.

FIDM Museum Director Barbara Bundy, Michel Arnaud, and FIDM Museum Registrar and Curator of Capturing the Catwalk Meghan Hansen.

Visit the FIDM museum until July 7th 2018. The exhibition is FREE and located at Fashion Institute of Design & merchandising. 919, S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90015. Call (+1) 213.623.5821 for more information.

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ALL OVER OVERALLS

6/12/2018

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Photo credit: Song of Style Instagram

Thought that overalls were only for age two and under? These looks might have you reconsider! Overalls and jumpsuits are so versatile, can be dressed up or down and worn from winter to summer and an added plus, they're super comfortable. Here's how to wear overalls like a (grown-up!) fashionista!

Photo credit: madelynnfurlong Instagram

Madelyn shows us how to do effortless summer cool in these white easy breezy overalls. Wear with a statement block heeled sandal to add a little edge.

Photo credit: jeannedamasv Instagram

A cropped denim overall can easily be dressed up or down. Wear during transitional weather seasons with a pair of flats during the day, or dress it up at night with a pair of bejeweled heels.

Photo credit: galagonzalez Instagram

The comfiest ways to wear your overalls during the day, a pair of jeweled sandals and a statement pair of sunglasses

Photo credit: Stacy Fan (Eurasian Vogue) Instagram

Have work and then an evening event straight after? Make your jumpsuit work from day to night by adding a statement necklace, heels and a cropped jacket to make the look go from boardroom to bar.

Photo credit: Chrisellelim Instagram

Chriselle Lim brought out her own line of clothing, and this gorgeous summer jumpsuit was a sell out. Versatile enough to be worn for day or evening, with flats or heels and can be worn with a jacket for cooler nights. We're not surprised it didn't stay on the racks for long!

Photo credit: Stacy Fan (Eurasian Vogue) Instagram

Jumpsuits are great for layering. This off the shoulder lilac one pairs well with a plethora of colors. However if you want to keep it chic, wear it with a blush toned sleeveless jacket, comfortable mules for the day and a striking clutch. Add large sunglasses for extra glam.

Photo credit: chrisellelim Instagram

Nothing screams summer more than a yellow ruffled jumpsuit. Perfect for anything from picnics in the park to afternoon tea with the ladies.

Photo credit: chrisellelim Instagram

Chriselle Lim shows how to wear the jumpsuit from her own collection for cooler weather. Pair with a long sleeved ruffled blouse to stay warm and add some extra interest to your look.

Photo credit: jeannedamas Instagram

Want to channel some Parisian chic? A form fitted wide legged jumpsuit with heels will certainly get you there! Cute bike with basket optional!

Photo credit: garancedore Instagram

The classic denim overall isn't just for casual days. Wear a blouse underneath, matching heels and bag and your overalls go from super casual to lunch date ready. Want to really dress the same pair of overalls down? Add a plain white T underneath and add a pair flats.

Photo credit: juliahengel Instagram

Worried overalls aren't feminine enough? Add a pink blouse underneith and cute pink (Chanel) handbag.

Photo credit: juliahengel Instagram

Looking for the perfect weekend outfit? Try a striped jumpsuit with an oversized denim jacket for a chic yet comfortable look.

Watch out LBD, the cut out black satin strapless jumpsuit might steal your thunder! Wear this gorgeous jumpsuit with gold jewelry and red accessories to keep the look classic and elegant.

Photo credit: Stacy Fan (Eurasian Vogue) Instagram

Nothing is more functional than a pair of black overalls. Wear during the day with comfortable flats and red accessories to add a pop of color.

Photo credit: Olivia Palermo (Pinterst)

Wear the same black overalls for evening with decorative pins, and a ruffled blouse, heels and bright bag to make the look pop.

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FIDM DEBUT SHOW 2018: THE ONES TO WATCH

6/1/2018

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Anyone who regularly reads my interviews on Harper’s Bazaar, China or Eurasian Vogue knows just how much I like finding new designers and they don’t come much newer or fresher than their first collection whilst still in design school.

That is why I love going to the FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles) Debut shows. I went two years ago and following the show, interviewed three incredible designers after being blown away by their collections, and this year’s show left me just as elated, and the show with equal amount of goose bumps.

Two weeks after the Debut show, I’m at FIDM, located in Los Angeles downtown to meet three of the designer. Ahead of meeting them, I sat down for lunch at Figueroa Hotel with The Vice President of Education at FIDM / FIDM’s museum director Barbara Bundy, as well as Shirley Wilson and Rachel Padilla from FIDM’s PR.

The trios energy, and bubbling personalities is clearly a reflection of the passion and support that they show their students through FIDM’s incredible programs. With great fervor Bundy talks about FIDM’s current programs with new courses being added all the time, the newest one being, ‘The Business of Denim’ focusing purely on denim, from design and development, to product application. Not to mention the experience that some selected FIDM students have to travel to see both ateliers and the business end of fashion on a global scale. The next trip on the agenda, a three-week trip to Paris with Bundy herself, affording the students the incredible chance to see some couture shows, and truly understand why a daywear piece of haute couture can start at $10,000 USD whilst gowns can cost onwards and upwards of $100,000 USD.

As we head back to FIDM, Bundy and Wilson take a moment to show me around FIDM from their incredible DIOR wall to Barbie’s 50th anniversary wall in which FIDM had been invited by Mattel, Inc to honor Barbie. As a result FIDM had presented the “Around the World Celebration Wardrobe” as a tribute to Barbie’s five decades as a fashion leader.

Stacy Fan with The Vice President of Education at FIDM / FIDM’s museum director Barbara Bundy

FIDM's 'Around the World Celebration Wardrobe' for Barbie's 50th Anniversary.

FIDM have a strong and impressive connection to the history of fashion, designers and photographers and honor the past, but are equally current with their projects. Not only is this reflected on the walls of FIDM and the exhibitions they have, but also in the new designers work. The Debut collections couldn’t have been more different from one another as the students incorporated their backgrounds, culture and modern ideas into their collections.

RODRIGO BUNTON NAVARRETE

I always get an almost indescribable feeling when I see a collection I really like. It’s a truly physical reaction to seeing something so visually beautiful coming down the runway. So it would be an understatement to say I had ‘a feeling’ when Navarrete showed his Debut collection and knowing this was his first ever collection was mind blowing. He had such a timeless elegance in the pieces that he had created, from a stunning coat that would of quite easily sat in Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe, to a dress with its one shoulder and ruffle detailing that wouldn’t have looked out of place on the red carpet at The Met Gala.

Inspired by the Chrysler building, Navarrete’s collection brought the drama. The outcome of the inspiration is some intricately structured pieces, that follow the architectural lines of the New York city building but with an explosion of color.

Having grown up in El Salvador, Navarrete is one of three, and has a very close relationship with his mother. In fact it was his mother who really helped pull out Navarrete’s love of fashion, “I always had this thing telling my mom to add a belt to her outfit, or these shoes are better than those with that dress. She had custom made pieces for her, and I loved going fabric shopping with her. I didn’t know anything but I just loved it! Since I was little I just loved fashion. I used to be bullied, for being different, because I was always different, I liked color and patterns and wore bags. So I just decided to emrabrace being different, wearing things and putting safety pins on them. I went to Canada to study and learn English and that was where I knew I needed to go back to El Salvador to talk to my parents. I told them what I wanted to do. My dad didn’t want me to study fashion, he asked me to do a couple of different degrees, so I did one in advertising, and one in communications. Then I started to work in the Art museum in El Salvador. Some of the inspiration there was so great. I could just draw. We were surrounded by art such as Picasso. I then came to LA and looked at FIDM."

Speaking of his time at FIDM, Navarrete says, “Besides what they have to offer, I could be who I wanted to be. I had been traveling a lot and here I knew I could be myself. People could then see what I had to offer.”

Navarrete’s collection might have been his first but the love of design has been in him for such a long time that it’s not surprising his collection seemed to come from a far more experienced hand, “I love hand sewing. I would take off the pearls on my mom’s things and put it back just to see how they did it.” Navarrete laughs, “I ruined my mom’s jacket one time trying to see how they did it! Whilst doing my degree in marketing I went on vacation to see my family. I studied about three hours from where they lived. One weekend my mom asked me if I wanted to manipulate stones, she said, 'Just go with me', I ended up getting so into it that I was able to expand them into my clothes. I made all the accessories in my collection.” His mother has clearly had a huge impact on Navarrete and the joy of fashion is so closely related to making things for her, telling me, "This is a funny story, my mom had this Christmas party on Christmas eve. It was December 21st when she showed me the dress she was going to wear. It was green and yellow, it was so boring and she asked me to add some stones. I said ‘Yes, ok’. I didn’t sleep, I loved it so much, for three days I just spent all my time doing it. When it was finally done, I said 'I hope it’s ok, it’s a bit heavy'. She loved it and since that day she has been asking me to help make her pieces better and she told me (with fashion) to just go for it and do it.”

Navarrete’s fabric used in his collection was exquisite, I ask him how he found it, “That was the hardest part, I went to Mood (a famous fabric store in LA), fashion district, different resources from the school. I went to Mood for 5 hours one time, they are now my friends as I spent so much time there! The main jacquard I bought there. I ended up buying all 17 yards. For the silk wool, FIDM gave me the resource for that, the teal and magenta one was in the fashion district.”

As for the sequin fabric, I ask Navarrete? “The sequin fabric I added, I wanted a little bit of youth in the collection. I wanted to stay on the path of classic, you can play with different pieces, the coat, the trousers.”

The incredible detail in Navarrete’s work is what truly makes him standout, “The coat didn’t have an armhole seam, it was one piece, and it had a gusset, they used to do that in the 60s and the bolero, I did the same. The other dress had no seam. The back, one side was just a curve and the other side was a cowl, it reminded me of the window of the Chrysler building, you don’t see the belt in the back, just at the front."

It was almost by chance that Navarrete finally found the inspiration for his collection, “My husband was working in New York and he said I’m going to be working but maybe you can go and walk around. I walked around Manhattan from one side to the other. I went to the Chryselr building and I knew this was it. The Art Deco, and the black and white and the windows and the architecture and I knew it in that moment. Even the bathroom was so pretty. I went to every corner of the building. I started researching the building. What materials they used. The tallest building in the 30s, why it was that shape, the more I read, the more I fell in love with it. It was such a pretty story, the gargoyles, and I wanted to create that story with my collection. With the collection, she can go to a fancy red carpet, a theatre with the trousers, she has that story behind her. Some of the pieces came out by mistake, for instance the magenta pants and the magenta top. It came out by accident, it was a big rectangle that attached to the choker. It hadn’t been working, it didn’t flow. It wasn’t creating the look I wanted. In the end the piece could be worn different ways, more dramatic more coverage of the belly."

Speaking of his overall experience with the FIDM show Navarrete tells me, “It was very enjoyable, I learnt about fabric, the customer, met more people, where I should go, the contacts, more networking. Personally it was a huge step for me, a real moment of success. That I can do it, that I shouldn’t give up, that I should just keep going. In that moment I realized I’m doing what I love. This experience, meeting all these people.”

In the future, Navarrete is thinking ahead to his own collection and tells me, “For my own collection, I would love to have both very wearable pieces, a coat, a pair of shorts, and evening wear. And have classic pieces in a very modern way. So the bomber with no seam, and at the same time having elaborate dresses with sparkle and glitter. I want a variation of pieces. The coat for instance was very dramatic but I could make it shorter and in a different fabric. The dress, I didn’t want a seam as I nearly did it reversible, changing the shoes, changing one small details changes everything."

Stacy Fan with designer Rodrigo Bunton Navarrete

As for his plans for the immediate future going forward, Navarrete wants to, “Work for another designer, learn, meet people, how to design for another brand. How is that bubble? Each designer has different environments. Ultimately, I do want my own brand though. I want to punish myself!" Navarrete laughs, "The coat for instance, not having an arm hole, people said ‘You’re punishing yourself,' I said "I will do it.” And boy 'do it' he certainly did, I tell Navarrete, as we are walking out as we finish up the interview. Just as we're about to say goodbye, I'm asked if I've seen his zipper dress from the Talon Zipper Challenge, I reply that I haven't and at least three people say, "You have to see it!" Navarrete obliges and we make our way up in the elevator. As the doors slide open, in front of me is the most incredible dress purely made out of zippers, Navarrete even made a matching purse. He tells me that he didn't cut a single zipper, they were all one piece. Unsurprisingly he won the award for the best dress. With persistence and innovation like this, I can't wait to see what Navarrete does next.

Navaratte and his winning Talon Zipper Challenge dress

TING WANG

Bright, modern, practical, sportswear inspired but with a touch of fairytale, Ting Wang's collection of both men and womenswear was one of the collections that really stood out to me. Originally from Beijing, Wang has been in LA for four years. Wang tells me of the inspiration behind her collection,, “I was at the museum of ice cream. I was really happy with the color, I wanted to make a collection with that color. Color makes people look young!”

Wang's collection was a beautiful mix of wearable everyday pieces that could be transformed for the evening. Her sleeveless jacket was a particular favorite of mine. So versatile and wearable for an array of occasions that could be dressed up or dressed down to give it new life with each wear.

Wang also showcased an incredible jumpsuit, seen many times, but her fabric choice made it appear so fresh and with its backless wide leg structure made it seem dressed up, but effortless all at once. The finale dress the, ‘Cinderella dress’ moment with a construction of a strapless dress with volumous skirt with layers of taffiter underneath. However Wang's collection, centering around versatility, came up with the genius construction of making the full bodied skirt removable so the dress could be worn alone on a night out in the city. "My finale dress, it's in separates so you can wear the top in the day and wear the full skirt at night. Without the bottom part, you can wear it for evening."

Wang's finale dress without the full bodied skirt.

Wang tells me, she always knew she wanted to be in fashion, "Since I was really young. I was really into Barbies when I was little and I always sewed little things for them. I just knew I wanted to study fashion design."

Speaking of her time at FIDM and the experience of the Debut show, Wang tells me "This process really allowed me to find my own style. I wanted to find my own style as a designer."

The fabrics that Wang used were so vibrant but she certainly didn't limit herself when she was choosing it, "I just purchased the fabric I really liked. I got so many fabrics that I liked, when I found one I like I just purchased the whole roll!"

Thinking about what the future might hold of her, Wang has hopes of doing more shows, hopefully for NYFW and a collection of both men and womenswear but knows her style is constantly evolving, "I have a brother and I would always want to make clothes for him. I studied fashion design for about four years, my ideas change depending on who my friends are and who I’m around."

Wang is far from finished educating herself, wanting to learn more in other areas that will help inform her as a designer, "Paper craft helped inspire my collection, I like structure, the architecture of things. I want to learn about architecture after this as it helps me with fashion."

But overall, she just wants to make people feel good in her clothes as Wang tells me, "I’m always thinking about things for women who want to feel more beautiful with my clothes."

Stacy Fan with designer Ting Wang

AURORA ZIQIAO LOU

“I fell off the sofa when I got the letter saying I had got into the Debut show.” This reaction, as adorable as the children’s clothes Lou makes is what makes both her and her collection pure joy.

Originally from China, Lou has been in LA since 2014. She tells me that she, “Loves children's garments, they’re so cute and so tiny.” She also loves sunsets and piggy toys so combined both in her collection. The clothes, the colors of the sun, the pig toys incorporated with the children carrying them down the runway whilst some were sewn into the clothes themselves. Several of the garments Lou dyed herself to make the perfect sunset color and made some of her own buttons.

In her family Lou is the oldest. She played a hand in helping to look after her brother growing up as he was ten years her junior, and she fell in love with children’s "tiny" clothing.

Lou tells me, “When I was in primary school, I wanted to be a designer. After high school graduation, I decided to study fashion design. My parents are in finance, but they are very supportive.”

Before coming to FIDM, Lou studied for one year at University in Zhu Hai, “I studied fashion design at that school, but I had the chance to come here and travel with my family. In 2014 I came to LA, my Unlce is here so I wanted to travel around California. But when I came to LA I loved it, the weather, I loved the people. My cousin told me about FIDM so I took the school tour. I loved the library, the window displays."

Of Lou’s experience doing the Debut show, she tells me, “My biggest experience was dyeing my own fabric. The teacher gave me the chance, so I took the opportunity to learn how to do it. When I dyed it, the fabric shrunk a lot so I learnt a lot in the process. When I was young I loved doing DIY. So I like handmade embroidery, I liked making small things.”

The last quarter of the portfolio class and The Collection class, Lou started to do children’s wear. “I really love children and I want to have my own children and I want to make my own clothes for them.”

As for the inspiration, Lou tells me, “For the pig, I am the sign of the pig. When I was small, about one year old, my grandparents worked in a farm and they left me at home. I would be laying in one spot, and then when they came back I would be sleeping in that same spot. I love sleeping, so that’s why I am like the animal of the pig, sleep, eat, sleep, eat” Lou laughs, “For the sunset. When I came to LA I met my boyfriend in 2015, and he took me to Santa Monica Beach, it was at sunset time, and I loved the color, and it inspired my collection. I have denim, with the dark blue, that are like the stars. I also had yellow, pink and light blue.”

As for the future, Lou says, “I want to have my own brand, but I want to do a mommy and me collection. It’s really popular to do matching outfits here (in the United States) now as well. I’m seeing the fashion trends, Chinese government have started to allow more than one child, (changed from the one child policy) and that gives me more opportunity. I want to have my brand in the US and sell to a global market. I wanted to do mommy and me for the Debut, and they said I couldn’t, so I said how about doing it for my own dress?” Which Lou did, cleverly managing to sneak in one additional design by matching her outfit to one of the children’s dresses!

Stacy Fan with designer Aurora Ziqiao Lou

Despite Lou's hopes to start her own brand in the future, she acknowledges that she isn't ready just yet, "I have just graduated. I am 23 now, if I had my own brand now I couldn’t handle it as I don’t have experience. I would like to have some experience, in the next five years. I don’t really mind who I work for, I just want to learn a lot outside of school. School teaches you the theory, but the business is totally different. I want to learn more things, the design, the production, the merchandising, the social media, I want to try everything!"

For more information on FIDM visit: http://fidm.edu

All Runway photos by: Alex J. Berliner

With special thanks to FIDM.

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"fASHION IS A LANGUAGE OF ITS OWN... LET'S TALK" EURASIAN VOGUE

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CATWALK HISTORY: THROUGH THE LENS OF MICHEL ARNAUD

ICONIC LOOKS, SHOT BY ARNAUD ​

ALL OVER OVERALLS

FIDM DEBUT SHOW 2018: THE ONES TO WATCH

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"fASHION IS A LANGUAGE OF ITS OWN... LET'S TALK" EURASIAN VOGUE

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OVERSIZED JACKETS AND SKIRTS

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