Smackdown! Otis vs. FIDM

Training at FIDM focuses on the real world.  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

Students Allie Huber, left, Ashley Lucky and Erin Alvarez use their laptops in a study lounge at the FIDM facility known as the “pool.”  (Kirk McKoy / LAT)

Designer Bob Mackie mentors students at Otis this semester with an emphasis on eveningwear.  (Mark Boster / LAT)

Students at the Otis work feverishly in one of the fashion design rooms preparing for a muslin fitting session.  (Mark Boster / LAT)

Designer Bob Mackie critiques and mentors student clothing designers during a muslin fitting session at Otis.  (Mark Boster / LAT)

Student Juan Chavez , right, listens to a critique by Bob Mackie while model Cali Persinger wears his futuristic design at Otis.  (Mark Boster / LAT)

A wall of original Christian Dior designs at FIDM.  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

A study area in the FIDM annex called “the pool.”  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

A design by Kelly Chapman goes down the runway at Debut 2007, the big fashion extravaganza put on by FIDM each year featuring designs by its top third year students.  (Iris Schneider / LAT)

Kelly Chapman, in black, parades down the runway with some of her designs at Debut 2007.  (Iris Schneider / LAT)

Designs by FIDM student Christie Tackett on the runway at Debut 2007.  (Iris Schneider / LAT)

At FIDM’s Debut 2007, graduate Cynthia Salazar created costumes for the Circus: from left, the Lion, the Tight Rope Walker, the Clown and Lion Tamer.  (Iris Schneider / LAT)