Legendary Fashion Designer Comes Home to Virginia Marti College of Art and Design

Ali Rahimi wasn’t always a sought-after fashion designer for Hollywood’s biggest stars.

His professional career got its start in Lakewood, where he graduated from the in 1986.

And on Saturday, came home to promote his alma mater at a special open house.

Rahimi was one of more than 200 people — including prospective students and their parents — who attended VMCAD’s open house Saturday night. The Detroit Avenue school was buzzing with activity. 

There were demonstrations in the college’s schools of interior design, drawing/illustration, digital media, and fashion design — where Rahimi accepted the role as the evening's lead cheerleader.

“The college has grown quite a bit since I was here last,” Rahimi said. “It was a smaller version than it is today. It’s a very well-rounded program. It’s as good as — if not better than — most of the other designs programs in the country. “

Geof Pelaia, VMCAD spokesman, said that — only judging by the large turnout — the open house was a success.

“It reaffirms that our message is getting out,” he said.

Rahimi — who owns and operates Mon Atelier, a couture fashion salon in the historic Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles — has attracted lots of attention over the last few years for his work with Jane Lynch, the Emmy-award winning star of the hit show “Glee.” She doesn’t stroll the Red Carpet without threads designed by Rahimi.

A few of his other famous clients include Anjelica Huston, Queen Latifah, Vanessa Williams and Carol Channing.

Rahimi shared a story Saturday about winning a design competition in Cleveland (his prize was having his work on display at Saks Fifth Avenue for an entire week). Legendary fashion designer Bill Blass was one of the judges.

That experience, more than was 25 years ago, made an impression on young Rahimi — who said he wanted to offer the same encouragement to young students VMCAD.

“This is a real, a real fantastic program, and at the very end it, you can have a career,” he said. “I wanted to come back and show the students that.

 “The hard work you’re putting right now actually counts for something.”

About a half-dozen of dresses designed by Rahimi were showcased in VMCAD’s auditorium. Some current students — and some hopefuls — passed by to admire the work. 

"This isn’t a school to come to party and have fun,” said Rahimi. “This is a serious school with a serious program. Sometimes you forget — because you get busy with your school work, trying to pass your exams and pass your tests — that there’s a playfulness to fashion design and you can make it a business.”