OCC creates store for fashion design students to stock up on experience

One day, Christian Hernandez wants to open a shop of his own to sell the clothing he designs.

For now, customers can browse his pieces – and buy them – from a pop-up shop recently opened at Orange Coast College.

Understanding that there is no substitute for putting his textbook knowledge to use in the real world, Hernandez said he created a marking plan that he presented to his classmates in the college’s fashion design program, who then selected the sophomore to display and sell his merchandise at the new Coast Collective Co-Lab on the first floor of the campus College Center.

He finds the inspiration for his designs in observing and interpreting the everyday life going on around him, he said, and wants his apparel to prompt “people to stop and introspect and think about life.”

He is selling his apparel under his label, CH.

“I’m looking to see what my classmates like, see how my designs are doing and how they sell,” Hernandez said. “Just like a little crash course before I go on and do my own thing.” The students will be developing their entrepreneurial skills by merchandising their own products in the process, Fashion Department Program Coordinator Lauren Becker said.

“(The students are) understanding how their brands fit into a retail environment,” Becker said. “It allows them to connect directly with the consumer and speak with them. It really allows them to troubleshoot and problem solve and get feedback. It allows them to see their product in a living space, which maybe they haven’t had that opportunity yet.”

Students can pick up valuable information such as how their products look displayed on a sales floor, and whether they should change the display or the line of merchandise being offered, she said.

The student entrepreneurs keep 100% of money made from sales.

“I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to sell at this space and very much looking forward to the opportunity to that comes with it,” said Jean-Victor Lairmore, whose merchandise brand, Stream & Grounds combines influences from European and Southern California subcultures. “This will help me tailor my customer service skills and get a better understanding of the customer.”

Along with the six student entrepreneurs, a current faculty member in the fashion design program and two alumni of the program were given initial space in the co-lab.

Another area of the pop-up is student-designed merchandise donated by the students with the proceeds going to support the college’s on-campus food pantry, the Pirates Cove.

“I think it is a cool opportunity for people to be able to sell their things and also, as a buyer, get things that are pretty unique, that you can’t get anywhere else,” said sophomore fashion student Madeline Lietz, who purchased a hoodie for $25 and necklace designed and sold by student Mariam Abdelrehim, under the brand Bebe Rouge. “You can’t go to any other store and get any of those.”

The current displays will be up through the end of the semester and then a new group of student entrepreneurs will be selected to display their merchandise in the fall.

Becker said she would like to see the co-lab expand beyond the fashion department to allow other programs, such as art, culinary or horticulture students, to have the experience of selling their creations.

“Our dynamic and flexible space will be able to host a range of events,” she said, “including talks from industry experts, opportunities for students to showcase their skills and talents, and collaborations with brands.”