Meredith Sonson
Following Her Heart West

Like many of our graduates, Meredith Sonson came to FIDM to build on her existing education and experiences.

Having majored in Travel and Tourism and minored in Sociology at the University of Florida, Meredith chose to pursue her dreams of working in the fashion industry and moved to Los Angeles to study at FIDM.

Meredith had always loved fashion as a child but was steered in a more traditional career direction by her family. A friend of hers, who was working in the film industry in Los Angeles, told Meredith about FIDM's reputation in the fashion and entertainment industries. Following her heart, Meredith headed west and enrolled in FIDM's Professional Designation program in Fashion Design.

The one-year intensive program is designed for students who have a prior degree and bypasses general education classes. While attending FIDM, Meredith worked as a wardrobe assistant on the Damon Wayans Show, as well as a made-for-TV movie at Fox Studios. It was upon completing her education at FIDM however, that Meredith was able to begin working in the fashion industry.

Meredith graduated in September 1997 and began consulting with FIDM's Placement Department to help her begin her career. They were able to schedule an interview at Baby Guess? who hired Meredith immediately. She is currently an assistant designer in the baby girl's clothes division. The designer she assists is also a FIDM graduate.

As an assistant, she is responsible for producing flat sketches, line sheets (the sheets that feature a line of clothes and are sent to buyers), production books and cost sheets. Her job is a hectic, but envigorating, mix of production and design responsibilities.

Meredith credits FIDM's Placement Department for helping her break into the exciting world of fashion design. Her plans for the future are to continue working for Baby Guess? and to become an associate designer. Meanwhile she is sharpening her skills and continuing to learn at Baby Guess?