ASU FIDM spotlights 15 exquisite designs at iconic LA Memorial Coliseum


People dressed in an array of colorful fashion designs standing in a line.

The full collection of designs presented by ASU FIDM fashion faculty and alums at the LA Memorial Coliseum on June 5. Photo by Imagery by Oscar

|

On June 5, at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum, the Central City Association (CCA) of Los Angeles hosted the 28th annual Treasures of Los Angeles. ASU FIDM was one of the seven Legacy Visionaries honored at the event, which brought together the city’s elite business, elected and civic leaders.

For the occasion, ASU FIDM presented six outstanding designs by '24 BA in fashion design graduates Madison Nelson and Gifty Ulinwa; the visionary "Fellini Collection" by faculty member Galina Mihaleva; and a trio of dazzling Catrina costumes by Lily Martinez, a toy/fashion/costume designer who graduated from legacy FIDM in 1998 and served as creative director for Barbie for many years before striking out on her own.

The informal modeling was organized by ASU FIDM Program Manager Remington Reble and Program Specialist Lauryn Wasill. Miguel Barragan, assistant director of student success and curriculum, represented ASU FIDM at the event, alongside Dulce Vasquez, assistant vice president of strategic advancement in ASU’s Office of University Affairs.

“For me, it’s a full-circle moment to have my Catrina costumes displayed at the LA Coliseum for the CCA event,” Martinez said. “Forty years prior, my family and I, a 7-year-old little girl, would visit the coliseum, and especially visited during the 1984 LA Summer Olympics. It’s truly an honor to be included in showcasing a diverse group of designers through ASU FIDM.” 

ASU FIDM alumna Gifty Ulinwa, who showed pieces from her final collection, “In Full Bloom,” said one of the things she loved most about the event was getting to be in the company of so many successful and accomplished people from all over California and beyond. 

“It was inspiring getting to stand in the same room as them, having just graduated from ASU FIDM,” Ulinwa said. “I remember voicing that thought to one of the LA city planners I met, and something he said to me was, ‘Well, you better get used to it!’ and it made me realize that there’s space for me to also be successful!”

ASU FIDM junior Maya Wilkinson, who dressed the models for the event, appreciated that she was able to both gain work experience and participate in the festivities. 

“I feel like, in classes, we get told a lot to network as much as possible, and yet networking is still such a foreign concept to undergraduate students,” Wilkinson said. The opportunity to attend an event like Treasures and see for herself how leaders network “was such a valuable experience that I will take with me forever.”

More Arts, humanities and education

 

An ASU grad holding their graduation cap in front of a sunset

Different ways of thinking, different ways of thriving: How ASU is supporting students with autism

According to the CDC, over 5.4 million adults in the U.S. are living with autism spectrum disorder, a condition that affects how individuals interact with others, learn and process information.…

Photo of Mitchell Jackson sitting in a chair while images are projected onto the wall beside him

Forever sewn in history

The historical significance of Black influence on fashion spans centuries. From the prints and styles of Africa to various American political climates, Black fashion has sealed its impact on the…

Three men and one women sit in a line on stage holding microphones

The Poitier Film School hosts Emmy-winning ‘Shōgun’ costume designer Carlos Rosario in LA

The Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning blockbuster FX series “Shōgun” doesn’t just have audiences in its thrall, but the creators who brought it to life, as well.“When the show came out, it just…