Name: Anna Y.
Major: Merchandise Product Development major/student at The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in LA
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in China but came to America when I was 2 years old. Spent my entire life here in LA. Often travel back to where I was born though :) Originally, I was going to study Psychology to become a family and marriage counselor but a week before graduation, FIDM came to my high school and I was blown away by the careers that I was never fond of. There, my interest for fashion took over and I immediately scheduled an interview and tour to FIDM. Went in for a tour and introduction of the school, my parents were more than supportive (which is very rare in the Asian culture), began my studies that summer after my high school graduation, Summer 2008. Immediately when I began going to college, I also took on interning because I knew that was very important in the fashion industry. I've been a dresser at fashion shows, assisted fashion show coordinators, photo shoots and more. My career began when I met fashion stylist Niki Shadrow and was offered a position as her assistant. With her I've styled celebrities on networks such as ABC, E!, VH1, MTV and more. I also work with Carrie Zack, a wedding event planner and with her I've managed many the planning for the big day and on the day of the wedding receptions and dinners.
How did I choose my major:
When I went into FIDM for my interview, they chose Visual Communications for me but because I felt that I didn't need help or be taught to be "creative", I wanted a more challenging major so I took on Merchandise Product Development. The difference between these two majors is that with VCOM, it's more creative and hands on where you make visual displays and arts and crafts. In PD, you are still in creative studying but you also learn to design and draw on the computer, tech packs, and a bit of marketing.
What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM?
Though I am most likely to end up as a celebrity stylist, in the wardrobe department for a t.v. show/network/company, or as a visual director at a fashion brand, I ultimately want to go back to what I've always wanted to do and that's to help others. Through fashion, I can, by making those who thought they never had style, find their individuality and creativity that they never knew existed. My dream is to have my own company that offers anyone who needs help with organizing their wardrobes, personal styling and shopping, etc..
Favorite designer(s):
Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Chloe, Diane Von Furtenburg, Dsquared, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor, Stella McCartney, Madewell, Thakoon, and lots more but I will stop here :)
Trend, item, you're loving right now:
I'm very happy that the native and tribal trend is hot right now. I've always loved bright and bold colors a long with the prints and patterns. I use to always get called an indian when I wore such things in high school, haha :) An item I am loving right now would have to be my leather ZARA handbag. It's so simple but timeless. I love it!
What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM?
You have to be a go-getter and a confident individual. If you aren't sure about being in the fashion industry, don't do it because trust me, you'll be saving yourself a lot of money. So many people decide to quit because they give up and believe me, you do not want to spend so much money on something you are not sure about. You have to handle rejection well because you will come across a lot of people who will tell you no or try to make you feel like you aren't good enough. You just have to be strong and passionate about what you want to do and work hard, work very hard, once you get in because juggling the school work and internships/work can get a bit overwhelming sometimes.
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I want to thank Anna so much for taking the time out of her day to do this! And if you want to check her out and what she is doing - stop over at her blog - http://www.annaversary.net/
xoxo smalltownchicc
