What appeals to you about the major you are considering in FIDM?
Many years ago, I was a first grader who loved drawing sailor moon with her stunning costumes, while other boys in the class were drawing robots. The seed that I was attracted by fashion design got planted at that moment. From time to time, I have drawn down numerous fashion figures with whatever ideas coming across my mind. However, I did not really pursuit to become a fashion designer. In fact, I majored in accounting during the time in university and worked as accountant after graduation.
Until one day, 4 years ago, I accidentally found a summer course for basic sewing and patterning skills. I, then, realized that I had never made my drawing come to life by actually making them into garments. The idea of doing that made me so excited. So, I signed up that summer course to put magic on my drawing to turn them into real garments. I not only had a wonderful time with learning to make a dress from draft but also am amazed by discovering how quickly I could comprehend instructor's tips as a beginner. After that course, everything was taking off. I got hired by an athletic wear manufacturing company as a sampling assistant. I learned many skills to handle knitted fabrics with large elasticity when sewing them into garments. In the meanwhile, my friend who owns a shop for lady's wear told me "do you want to sell your designs in my shop"? I seized this chance to see what will people feedback to me. The result was great; my pieces were sold out in a short period of time. And many more opportunities like this came to me.
That short-term fashion design course was a wakening call for me to follow my true passion. I want to express myself by telling stories through my collections. I also want women in different generations to find confidence by wearing my clothes. This is such a big dream to achieve. I have earned some experiences from my job and projects, but they were not fully related to the design part. Hence, in my opinion, it is a excellent decision for me to go back to professional school to understand thoroughly the process of design and practical skills, such as computer aid design, patterning and draping technical, to help me develop my own collection. Plus, there will be many fashion students growing up in different backgrounds with various aesthetics in the school. I believe working with them on assignments will not only inspire me but also spark innovative ideas for fashion among us. Lastly, FIDM has multiple connections with famous designers and international brands which is beneficial for me to seek for an internship and I also want to be able to use these connections to have a competitive ranking in job market after graduation.
My way finding the career path that I have passion for might be detoured. The result, nevertheless, was worth my time. Drawing dresses and sewing them into garments make me feel so alive. I still remember the thrill that first time my dress was wore by a real person, the satisfaction that people complimented how they appreciated my designs, the ecstasy that my piece was sold, the achievement that I set up a sample room on my own, the request from my manager; and the excitement that an investor asked me to help him start a brand for yoga outfits. My feelings for fashion design more than words can describe. There are endless energy and ideas inside me waiting to be shown to this world. I want to keep doing this for the rest of my life.
