ASU FIDM opens doors for fashion design graduate

From being published in an Italian magazine to visiting the LA Fashion District to building a creative community, Eryn Enright said her time at ASU FIDM prepared her for a career and provided her opportunities she never expected. 

“When I first began my college career at Arizona State University,” Enright said, “I knew I wanted to pursue fashion, but I didn’t realize just how many doors that passion would open.”

Enright, who graduates this May with a Bachelor of Arts in fashion from ASU FIDM, part of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, said her journey started with an interest in clothing and aesthetics, but it quickly evolved into something “much more profound.”

“ASU gave me the space to grow as a technical designer, a writer, a mentor and an advocate for educational access.”

She said she discovered that fashion design is much more than sketching or sewing — it’s a form of communication. In her courses, she learned technical design, branding, merchandising and how to navigate both digital and traditional tools.

“What truly surprised me, though, was how much I fell in love with the technical side of design: patternmaking, construction methods and the challenge of engineering garments,” she said. “That passion for technical precision is the path I’m excited to follow after graduation.”

She said one of the greatest highlights of her college experience was studying abroad in Italy for a semester, immersing herself in art, design, culture and craftsmanship.

“That time abroad expanded my perspective and helped me see how global influences shape storytelling in fashion — and far beyond,” she said. “I even had the opportunity to be published in an Italian magazine during my semester abroad.”

While in Italy, she took a “Writing in the Fashion Industry” course that covered many jobs within the industry, including fashion journalism.

“One of the assignments was to write an article on the Italian composer Puccini and his impact on the creative world, specifically fashion,” she said. “Two articles from the class were then chosen and published in Blended Magazine; my article was ‘Prada’s Catwalk Performance, a Fusion of Opera and Design: How the timeless works of the Maestro have translated their influence into the contemporary works of the iconic Italian fashion house.’”

A community of creatives

In addition to traveling to Italy, Enright explored the fashion industry in Los Angeles. ASU FIDM operates from both Downtown Phoenix and Los Angeles, and the Phoenix-based student participated in a turnaround bus trip from Phoenix to LA.

“We had the opportunity to tour the ASU California Center Grand Textile Testing Lab, view pieces from the ASU FIDM Museum Study Collection and connect with faculty and peers during a mixer and dinner,” Enright said. “Highlights included an inspiring guest panel with celebrity stylist B. Akerlund and a guided tour of the Cooper Design Space and the LA Fashion District. It was a fantastic chance to explore the fashion industry firsthand, network with professionals and shop for fabrics guided by our capstone instructors.”

Enright said all the opportunities she experienced while at ASU FIDM were possible thanks to donors and scholarships.

“Throughout my time at ASU FIDM, I’ve been fortunate to receive full scholarships, including the Obama Scholarship, the New American University President’s Scholarship and Federal Work-Study,” she said. “As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, that support made all the difference, allowing me to focus entirely on growing as a designer and professional. I’m incredibly grateful to every person and organization that invested in my education, because this is only the beginning.”

She was also selected to participate in the Interdisciplinary Arts Fellowship her final semester.

“The Interdisciplinary Arts Fellowship was a partnership between Ballet Arizona and the culture and access department at Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts,” she said. “In the cohort, we learned about all of the interdisciplinary professions within Ballet Arizona, from composers and conductors to set designers, costume designers, lighting designers and more. It was an opportunity offered to many Herberger students through a simple essay application process.”

She said the opportunity allowed her to connect with another vibrant community of artists, adding to her experience at ASU.

“More than anything, it’s the people who made this experience unforgettable. I found a community of creatives who are just as passionate and driven as I am. Together, we cheered each other on through late nights in the sewing lab, harsh critiques and breakthrough moments when designs finally came to life,” she said. “Those relationships have been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.”

Read the below Q&A to learn more about Enright’s passion for fashion and ASU FIDM.

Note: This interview has been edited lightly for length and/or clarity.

Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: My “aha” moment actually started way back in middle school, when I would spend hours putting outfits together and dreaming about seeing my designs on a runway or in a magazine. I always knew I wanted to study fashion, but when I got to ASU and immersed myself in the fashion design program, my focus shifted. I realized I was less drawn to the purely artistic side of design and more fascinated by the technical process — the structure, the fit and the problem-solving behind every garment.

Learning about patternmaking and construction methods opened up a whole new world for me. It wasn’t just about aesthetics anymore — it was about engineering functional, wearable art. That discovery was transformative, and it gave me a real sense of purpose within the fashion industry.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: Initially, I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay close to home in Phoenix for college. However, when I explored what ASU — and specifically ASU FIDM — offered, it became clear it was the right fit. The program combined strong creative and technical training with incredible professional opportunities, and with the financial aid and scholarships ASU provided, it made college a reality for me.

Staying close to family while gaining independence and a strong education felt like the best of both worlds. I’m deeply grateful for the support I received, because it allowed me to immerse myself fully in my studies and all the opportunities ASU has to offer.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Love what you do, but stay open to growth and change. It’s easy to feel like you need to follow one set path from the moment you start college, but often the most meaningful experiences come when you let your interests evolve.

When I first entered ASU, I thought I would focus solely on creative fashion design. But through my classes, jobs and unexpected opportunities, I discovered a passion for technical design, writing and mentoring. Be willing to explore different sides of yourself — you never know where they might lead.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus?

A: The studio became my second home. I spent countless late nights there, sometimes pulling all-nighters to finish projects or solve last-minute technical issues. The hum of sewing machines, fabric scattered across tables, music playing softly — it created a space where I could fully immerse myself in the work. It wasn’t always easy, and there were frustrating moments, but seeing a finished piece come together after hours of effort was incredibly rewarding. Those long nights taught me resilience, focus and pride in my craft.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I plan to continue working while building and refining my portfolio, with a strong focus on advancing my technical design skills. I’m committed to gaining hands-on industry experience, expanding my professional network, and strengthening my expertise in patternmaking and construction.