FIDM.....BEHIND THE SCENES: Exclusive SOLSTISS Lace "Master Class" at FIDM--RECAP!

Lace Master Class--Co-Chairs of  FIDM Fashion Design David Paul (L) and Nick Verreos (R) with Solstiss USA President Francois Damide (Center)--FIDM Master Class in Lace, FIDM Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

Last week, we had the honor and pleasure of having Francois Damide, President of Solstiss USA, visit our Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles Campus and give an exclusive "Master Class" in Lace. As Co-Chairs of the Fashion Design Department at FIDM, David and I are always looking for innovative and exciting ways to advance the ongoing discussion on fabric, fashion, and education.

The Solstiss Factor--Images from the Solstiss "Master Class" in Lace, FIDM Los Angeles

Lower Photos courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

Mr. Damide of Solstiss approached us about having a special "Master Class" at FIDM to talk about Lace. Based in Caudry France and established in 1974, Solstiss creates some of the most beautiful and luxurious lace in the world with clients ranging from Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, Jason Wu and many more. Their gorgeous lace was used in Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen wedding gown. Originally the same design of lace was worn by Grace Kelly in her wedding dress to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956.

Grace Kelly in Helen Rose-designed wedding gown, which was made of the same type of French lace created by Solstiss

The Master Class at FIDM:

FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair Nick Verreos introducing Francois Damide, President of Solstiss USA to FIDM students at the Solstiss X FIDM Lace Master Class--FIDM Los Angeles

                                               Photo courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

We invited FIDM students from the Advanced Fashion Design, Theatre Costume Design, B.A. in Design and Textile Design as well as several other departments to partake in the exclusive "Master Class"...

 Class Is In Session--Francois Damide, President of Solstiss USA, speaking to FIDM students and educators during the Solstiss X FIDM Lace Master Class--FIDM Los Angeles

Photos courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

History of Lace--Francois Damide, President of Solstiss USA, during the Solstiss X FIDM Lace Master Class--FIDM Los Angeles

Photos courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

Photo courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

The Laces--Francois Damide brought many headers of Solstiss Lace to show the FIDM students...to let them touch, feel and admire...here are samples:

 Haute Lace--Lace samples from Solstiss--Master Class in Lace, FIDM Los Angeles 

 Photos courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

FIDM students admiring the Solstiss Lace--Solstiss X FIDM Lace Master Class, FIDM Los Angeles

 Photo courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

 Lace Discussion--Nick Verreos with students of the FIDM Advanced Study in Theatre Costume Design--Solstiss X FIDM Master Class in Lace--FIDM Los Angeles 

Photos courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

Students and FIDM Instructor Dawn Marie Forsyth (lower photo) looking over the Solstiss Lace Look Books--Solstiss X FIDM Master Class in Lace--FIDM Los Angeles

Photos courtesy of Mark Jaress, FIDM

Many THANK YOU'S to Francois Damide and Solstiss for the wonderful and very informative "Master Class in Lace" at FIDM...looking forward to future partnerships and collaborations!