Marina Idelman

Marina Idelman is a full-time Assistant Professor at Otis College of Art and Design since Spring 2021, teaching Junior Studio in the BFA Fashion Design program. Born in Odessa, Ukraine (former USSR), she began her career as a Sewing and Patternmaking Instructor at Odessa’s College of Fashion Design from 1984-1988 after graduating. She relocated to the United States in 1988, attended Santa Monica College, and built a 32-year industry career as a patternmaker for major apparel brands including Frame Brand Denim, 7 For All Mankind, and William B., overseeing production for diverse segments like Junior, Plus size, and Premium denim.

Her educational background includes:

• BFA from Odessa’s College of Fashion Design (1980)
• Bachelor's degree with High Honors from Odessa’s Apparel Industry Institute (1984)

Idelman's professional expertise centers on technical fashion production disciplines. Her work emphasizes:

• Advanced patternmaking for fine silks, woven/knit fabrics, and novelty laces
• Garment construction techniques across dresses, tailored jackets, and denim
• Production management for Junior, Better Sportswear, Petites, Plus size, and kids’ divisions
• Specialized experience in garment-dyed and washed fabrications

Her honors include:

• Apparel Industry Institute High Honors graduation (1984)
• “LA Mode 89” Eveningwear category 1st place (1989)
• Santa Monica Scholarship Award (1989)

As a mentor in the BFA Fashion Design program, she guides students through industry-focused projects like the Mentor Project, leveraging her practical experience in patternmaking and sewing. The text indicates no research grants, and her remote teaching during recent periods reflects adaptability without compromising student outcomes.