Claudia Chioda

Fashion Design Grad, 2006

Claudia Chioda graduated from FIDM with a Fashion Design degree in 2006, and is currently working as a designer at one of the best and biggest intimate apparel companies in Los Angeles, Honeydew Intimates.

Tell us a little about yourself: I’m 29. I’m originally from Glendale, Arizona, and have been living in Los Angeles for about nine years now. I’m a designer at Honeydew Intimates.

What do you love about your job? I love getting to research and conceptualize for upcoming seasons and projects. Getting to see it come to life is truly rewarding. The whole process amazes me: design, development, sampling, and on through production. It can be a whirlwind. But, at the end, you have what you worked so hard for. It’s a great feeling.

What is your proudest accomplishment in your life so far? I had always wanted to go to FIDM, but I chose to attend ASU in Arizona for a totally different major after high school. One day, I made the decision to leave and pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer. I am most proud that I decided to follow my dream. I persevered and am successful in the field I chose.

What fashion websites/blogs do you like to visit? Though I scout many blogs, I have a ritual when I get into the office each morning. I hit up Pinterest, Honeydew’s Facebook page, The Sartorialist, and Cupcakes and Cashmere before delving into my daily tasks. I always make sure to get my daily fix of Stylesight, Jak&Jil, Sea of Shoes, and Fab, too.

Who is your style icon? I don’t really have one. I’m all over the place with my style, but I surely have designers that I love. If Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, Yohji Yamamoto, and Rachel Roy had a baby and it was raised by Diesel, that would pretty much sum up my ideal style. I told you it was all over the place!

What inspires you in your designs? Everything from nature to architecture to home furnishings and wallpaper. It comes from all over! I once designed a woven label design for a children’s denim line after being inspired by a rug I saw.

How did you know FIDM was the right college for you? I had heard nothing but great things about the school and had friends that had great success after leaving FIDM. I ultimately made the right choice. :)

How did you decide on your major? There was no question. I wanted to create clothing. I wanted to have my hands on the whole process.

What was the resource at FIDM you valued the most? The library, the labs, and having a few favorite teachers I really looked up to—that was what I valued most. I owe Mr. Katana and Mr. Vasquez big time. They helped me tremendously! There are things they taught me that still ring in my head as I design.

How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you’re doing now?
FIDM gave me a foundation of skills to take into the real world. Simply put, without them I would not have been prepared. Without the technical and computer program classes, I would have been at a huge disadvantage. It is absolutely necessary to have technical, Illustrator/Photoshop, sketching, and color knowledge to get a job. FIDM also instills a fantastic work ethic. Trust me, you’ll need it to be successful in this industry.

Any advice for current FIDM Students? Take advantage of all that FIDM has to offer. Go to labs, get involved! It will be over before you know it, so don’t fret and try to rush out of there! It’s OK to not have all the answers; that’s why you’re at FIDM. :) Ask your teachers questions; they’re there to help. Also, intern and network! You never know who you will meet and where your next job may come from. Stay in touch with your classmates!

What is your biggest goal right now? Although I’ve learned and gained experience in different markets in the past 6 years, I am still learning new things every day. My goal is to continue to expand my knowledge and learn about new markets.

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Do you want to pursue a career in the fashion industry? Find out what you could do with a Fashion Design degree from FIDM.