Jessie Choi

Once bitten by the design bug, Jessie Choi began her formal fashion career at Cal State Long Beach, before refining her talents and abilities at FIDM. Soon after her arrival at FIDM, she obtained an internship at Richard Tyler/Tyler Trafficante, XOXO, and Primavision by Cadtex. Here she gained extensive knowledge of the production process for various markets. Currently, Jessie's focus is on "modernity." She believes that modern is about having precise cuts that create perfect fits, which generate new energy and clean, sharp silhouettes. For Jessie, a true innovator needs to click into everything about today. Her 1998 collection is a modern concept which merges the mysterious far east with the distinctly perceivable west.

Alen Haljevac

Alen Haljevac is living proof that goodness can grow out of strife. Immigrating from war-torn Bosnia when his design work was interrupted, Alen chose FIDM as the place to bring his background in drawing, painting, sculpting, and designing together to create a focus in fashion. While at FIDM his efforts have been rewarded as the "Designer of Tomorrow," winner of the Bob Mackie Scholarship and the Liz Claiborne contest. His work has been seen in Japan, Atlanta, Milan, and Beverly Hills, as well as in Sarajevo. Philosophically, Alen feels that fashion is an oasis in everyday life where human thoughts turn to fairy tales and illusion is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. His collection is rooted in desert space, hidden in and inspired by the mysterious dunes.

Esther Kim Lee

Esther Kim Lee claims to "live and die for fashion," an odd statement from one who recently received a degree in exercise science from USC. Winner of the Fred Hayman Scholarship, Esther is excited about her collection which is inspired by the 1920s. Her colors are yellowish orange and violet blues with a touch of modern metallic. Fabrics include burnt out velvets, shiny printed knits, flocked fabrics, faille, tapestry, tassels, fringe, and fur. Philosophically, Esther believes in knowing her target customer and then taking her a bit beyond what is current.

Nikhil Mehra

Nikhil Mehra comes from a family that designed and exported garments from India all over the world. Considering the exotic and vibrant culture of his youth and the multi-culturalism of the U.S., it only seems obvious that his collection would coalesce into an international blend of simplicity and powerful silhouettes with exotic influences.

Nikhil has chosen hand woven silks, heavy satins, delicately woven chiffons, and royal velvets to create his exciting "TAJ" collection. While at FIDM Nikhil won the prestigious Giorgio award and was a finalist for the Liz Claiborne competition.

James Phong Hong

Today, James Hong believes, "You should do what you love and love what you do." James came to this belief and to fashion through the back door, as an accomplished cartoonist with an interest in sci-fi movies, and relatives in the fashion industry. After his first fashion design class James was hooked, and FIDM then provided the vehicle and the education to merge his seemingly divergent interests. James has created an "alien" look with an unusual combination of textures and saturated colors. Using these outer space influences, James is taking the traditional man's suit and giving it an exciting new twist.