Barkley Hope
Building The Castle Of Her Dreams

Once upon a time, there lived a girl with a dream to create a store like none other...

A store where the modern day princess could escape the harsh world, shop for luxurious items, and be treated like royalty. The girl? FIDM alumna Barkley Hope. The dream store? "Barkley Hope: Items for a Princess!"

Barkley's love for fashion began with her love of thrift shopping. While she was growing up in Oregon, she always loved dressing her family for special events and helping friends choose prom dresses and shoes. With the intention of pursuing a "safe" career, Barkley started out studying psychology at the University of Colorado, but it wasn't long before her desire to study fashion took over! She decided to leave the university and head for London where she attended a fashion college for fashion design. While she loved living in such a fashion-oriented city, she missed the creative freedom allowed and encouraged in the U.S. Barkley felt that her artistry was limited by the strict, conservative design standards of the British and refused to accept that there's only one way to do a hemline or make belt loops! Asking, "why do I have to do it that way" has always ignited Barkley's imagination. She believes in finding new answers and approaches to problems. "After all, that's what creativity is about!" she explains. After two years in London, it was time for Barkley to come home and she found the freedom of expression she was seeking in Los Angeles, California. "In the United States, art is whatever you say it is, there's no right or wrong way to make it," she feels.

Barkley transferred to L.A. with hopes of completing her fashion education. She found a job designing swimwear at a company that told her about FIDM. Barkley felt confident with her design skills and wanted to learn the business end of the fashion world, so FIDM's Apparel Manufacturing Management Program was a perfect fit!

While at FIDM, Barkley began interning at the Sirena Apparel Group, a company that owns several major clothing brands, including Anne Klein, Liz Claiborne, Hang Ten, and Sirena. The double challenge of school and work was tough and exhausting but Barkley is extremely glad she did it! As an intern, she worked with lots of bosses within the company and learned different design methods from each of them. "Interning was the most valuable thing I did; it taught me everything!" Barkley excelled at FIDM and at the Sirena Group, where she rose through the ranks to eventually get hired as an assistant designer.

Of course, Barkley's ultimate wish was to open her own store but she thought she'd be over 30 and "stable" in her life and career before it was possible. FIDM helped her realize just how attainable her dream really was! One of Barkley's classes at FIDM taught her the logistics of starting a business and required her to devise and write a full 40-page business plan. For the first time, Barkley gave serious thought to her dream store; she named it, decided on a theme, came up with a budget, and researched sources of financing. Her instructor helped immensely with practical answers to her pertinent questions.

A few months after graduating, while still working at the Sirena Group, Barkley had an epiphany. "Why can't I start my own dream right now?" There she was with a perfectly good business plan for her store and a strong network of friends and family willing to help her make it happen. Barkley went back to her FIDM instructor for further assistance, streamlined her business plan, and went for it!

Barkley describes the next eight months as "a major learning process." She transformed a basic building on the famous Melrose Avenue into the pink castle of her royal dreams. In October of 2000, "Barkley Hope: Items for a Princess" opened its doors.

At Barkley Hope, you will find only the best of Glam rock, eclectic contemporary, and trend-setting, one-of-a-kind designs. There is a consistent "modern vintage" style throughout the store. Many Hollywood stylists have already called her store a "royal retreat." You will find children's clothes, high-end jewelry, candles, cosmetics, and pillows all designed by Barkley. She also offers cool apparel and accessories by designers like Evisu, St. Vincent, E-Play, Ya-Ya, Petro Zillia, Flaunt Lingerie, Victoria, Handmaid, Techno Marine watches, and Sky shoes.

Barkley Hope takes her customers on a fantastic journey of glass slippers, sparkling tiaras, and feathered boas. Hers is a place where you can find the latest fashions, enjoy a manicure, sip hot coffee, have your evening glass of wine, and try on dreamy shoes while your gifts are being wrapped in leopard print paper. With ambition, hard work, and a beautiful dream, Barkley Hope has embarked on a fairy tale with a "happily ever after" ending!

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication