Fashion School Fun Facts: Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) believes in a dynamic classroom approach that combines knowing and doing. It is a private for-profit college that is based in Los Angeles, USA.

Origins

FIDM has more than 50 years of experience in supporting students and helping them build a network filled with industry professionals so that when they graduate they are ready for the working world.

The university puts a lot of emphasis on collaboration with companies so that students can build their professional portfolios.

FIDM has industry partnerships with brands such as Converse, Disney, Levi’s, Nars, Nike and Victoria’s Secret who act as classroom collaborators. The university also has partnerships with labels such as Anthropologie, J Brand Jeans, L’Oréal and Nordstrom so that students can partake in part-time work and internships.

What to study?

There is a selection of fashion courses for students to choose from, including an Associate of Arts Degree Program that provides a highly specialised curriculum in a specific area. FIDM offers Apparel Industry Management and Fashion Design programs.

There are Associate of Arts Advanced Study Degree Programs that offer specialised expertise in Fashion Design, Film and TV Costume Design, International Manufacturing and Product Development, Menswear and The Business of Denim.

In addition, FIDM presents a Bachelor in Apparel Technical Design or in Design with a variety of specialisations to choose, from fashion or textiles to interior or graphic design.

News

FIDM has a star-studded group of alumni including world-renowned fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, costume designer Trish Summerville, the founder of the Beautyblender Rea Ann Silva, senior art director at Lady Gaga's Haus Laboratories Angelica Villegas and many more.