Exploring the Love of Fashion, Art and Design: Francesca Yep
Francesca Yep '20 received a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising’s summer program for high school students, and had the opportunity to explore this California university’s creative programs. Read about her experiences in the interview that follows.
What did you study?
Francesca: In Summer 2017, I attended the 3 Days of Fashion Summer Program, at the FIDM San Diego campus, taking courses taught by university professors. Every year, hundreds of high school students from all over get to experience fashion through the eyes of a university student in this program.
Why did you decide to apply for this program?
Francesca: Actually, I didn’t apply. Miss Matossian invited a guest lecturer from FIDM to my Art class. He offered the Art students one scholarship to the program, and I got to go!
Where were the other participants from?
Francesca: Many people that came were from around California. There was one guy from Guam, and I made a friend from Denver. But I was one of the only Canadians. I had a lot of fun meeting new people, some of which are now attending FIDM.
What did you enjoy most?
Francesca: The thing I enjoyed the most was a class called “Draping the Dress.” They had manikins and large pieces of fabric that you could pin and twist to create anything you wanted. I loved it because it was so hands-on.
Can you tell us some of the things you learned?
Francesca: There were many university courses that I took part in - such as an Interior Design class, Styling, Event Promotion, and Concept to Consumer. I also learned about Merchandising and Marketing, and we examined current products and businesses. We also learned about Trend Forecasting, as well as Fashion Sketching.
The most practical thing was that I got in touch with an admissions advisor who met with me and my parents to talk about what I'm interested in. She helped me narrow down what to take, and she’ll help me with my future application.
The most surprising thing that I learned was how many different degrees there are. Looking on the FIDM website, you can see all of them. But when you’re actually there, and able to look through portfolios of past students’ incredible work, you realize how many different options there are, other than fashion design.
I found all of the professors to be very engaging and energetic. I also enjoyed hearing from FIDM alumnae, and from Allison Andrews, founder of San Diego Fashion Week. And then on the last day, Nick Verreos, a famous fashion designer and winner of Project Runway, showed us some of his dresses.
Why do you enjoy creating art?
Francesca: It’s a way to express myself. Growing up I had a lisp and I feared public speaking, but I really loved doing art. It was a way for me to be creative and share my thoughts and ideas without talking.
Through my art I find a great outlet for problems, and it really helps me to relax and stay calm. No matter what’s happening, creating art is something you can always do.
School Information
4195 Alexandra Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 4C6
Tel: 604-738-9016
Support LFA | Contact Us | School Calendar
Tel: 604-738-9016
Support LFA | Contact Us | School Calendar
