There seems to be a trend these past few weeks. Graduates of different courses and colleges have been posting their grad photos and celebrating their victories with loved ones and friends. One of the said universities is UST, whose graduates just celebrated the very picturesque Bacc Mass.
Celebrations like graduations often put people in a contemplative mood–reminiscing about past victories and future dreams.
It seems only yesterday, but it’s already been a year since the College of Fine Arts and Design in collaboration with events and fashion electives, staged the The Marsala et Chroma Fashion Show 2015!
The event was a success because of the collaborative effort of so many people. But four winning designers took center stage. Coincidentally, these four designers have also just graduated! (And like their winning designs last year, their designs for their thesis have also been turning heads.)
Today, we talk about their design inspirations from their work in the fashion show last year, and their work for their thesis this year.
The winner of first place is Innah Marie O.
Pardinan.
Innah
@innahpards on Instagram and Twitter
What were your sources of inspiration in coming up with this look?
My primary inspiration is my family. Also, I wanted to challenge myself to create something I have never done before and of course will make people proud of me.
Could you describe the actual process of making the clothes?
Canvassing for the perfect fabric is harder than coming up with a design. You have to look for that one fabric that will definitely fit your design. And that’s just one thing. If you’re an amateur designer like me and who doesn’t know anything about sewing, you have to get a seamstress who will understand your design and can definitely pull it off.
Do you have any favorite local and international designers?
Ellie Saab and Zuhair Muhad are some of my favorite international designers.
If you were to choose one style essential in your closet, what would it be and why?
Blouse with collar, shorts and a pair of doll shoes.
Tied at second place are Klein Adrian Ong and Marjorie Cabug.
Klein
Model: Joma Bernardo
Photo by: Jericson Jabar
Instagram: @kleinong21
Behance: behance.net/kleinong3
What were your sources of inspiration in coming up with this look?
When we were tasked to design our piece for the allure fashion show, I thought of challenging myself to try menswear design that will also cater to women as well, sort of a unisex piece kind of design. I wanted to be different among the other designers and basically be unique, I was inspired by different lace patterns and thought of why not apply lace to my design because for me, lace was usually used only in women’s clothes. I wanted to show that women’s fabric can also be applied to men, and lace can be a convincing fabric for men. I wanted my piece to be simple yet bold so I designed a black oversized neoprene jacket with lace appliques, and a neoprene shirt with prada lace used for the sleeves.
Could you describe the actual process of making the clothes?
I consulted my seamstress first about my design, and she helped me decide what kind of neoprene fabric would really look good and what kind of lace will match on it. All of these was basically new to me, because I never designed something that will be produced. I was really not familiar with some of the fabrics that I want, so she gave me instructions to go visit divisoria where all kinds of fabric is available and ask for those kind of fabrics that will look good on my piece. It was so stressful to see so many gorgeous lace fabrics, I really had a hard time selecting which lace to buy, after I bought all my materials for my piece, I went straight to my seamstress so she can already start working on my design.
Do you have any favorite local and international designers?
For local designer, one of my favorite would definitely be Francis Libiran, from dressing up local celebrities to international celebrities, I just really look up to him and will always be a fan of his works. For International designers, I definitely have a lot of favorite international designers like Zuhair Murad, Olivier Rousteing, Elie Saab, Riccardo Tisci and so on. But I think one of my top list favorite designer would be Michael Cinco, he never fails to make a statement in making so intricate details in his collections and ofcourse a product of filipino pride.
If you were to choose one style essential in your closet, what would it be and why?
If I had one style essential in my closet, It will be basics. Like for a normal day, I’ll wear plain white tee, denim jeans and white sneakers. I’m more of the laid back kind of style of person because I like being comfortable with the clothes I wear and it’s easier to mix and match with basics.
Marjorie
Processed with VSCO with c8 preset
Instagram: @marjoriecabug
Model: Claire D. Tuason
Photo by Jericson Jabar
What were your sources of inspiration in coming up with this look?
Anything can be a source of inspiration. Imagination is important to be able to create. I think I was able to create this design because I had been an obsessed fan of capes and lace. Because of that, I wanted my first design with capes and finely detailed for it to be more memorable for me. At first, it had been risky because it seems like I had been experimenting on the design. I didn’t settle on the design to say that I had accomplished one. It doesn’t work that way. Of course, it’s my first design that would be seen visibly and not just a sketch. A little risk would spice up the beauty, right? And I think that’s what fashion is all about. I think in terms of fashion, there are millions of ways to style and define a cape. Basically, a cape can be worn with anything. And also for me, The cape of this gown offers just a hint of elegance. And if you would clearly look at my designs, you would notice that almost all was inspired by the 60’s. For me, it’s just amazingly elegant. And speaking of elegance, I always remember Audrey Hepburn’s classic bateau (sabrina) neckline. Take a closer look at the cut out in the neckline of my gown. See? That’s also one of my favorite designs in a gown. Basically, I apply all the things that I wanted to see in a gown through my design. And that’s why I dared to fly with a little risk. At some point, taking risks would cause chaos but risks with determination can transcend skills and ergo produce a reality for dreams!
Could you describe the actual process of making the clothes?
Actually, I was not really the one who sewed the gown since doing so had not been taught to us. Yet, I would still want to learn sewing, if God wills. Although when it comes to choosing what cloth would fit, I choose the one to be used. At first, it had been hard because I wanted to do a lot of things for the gown and I wasn’t really sure if eventually, I would like the result. Thankfully, the results were really amazing! Although there had been some financial inconveniences that had caused some adjustments for my gown, I praise God it was successfully ran through. Learning to produce an actual gown and becoming the seamstress of my own ideas may take several years. For now, I will focus first in enhancing my skills in designing more clothes.
Do you have any favorite local and international designers?
Alberta ferreti, Ellie Saab, Muhammed Ashi, Stefano Gabbana, Domenico Dolce, michael cinco and leo almodal
If you were to choose one style essential in your closet, what would it be and why?
My style actually is preppy with a tomboy twist. So for now, my style essential would be a pair of clean, dark high-waisted skinny jeans. Almost like everyday, most days, I’m wearing it.
What’s your inspiration for your thesis?
My inspirations were Sto. Niño and Philippine Cathedrals.
What was the most difficult and fulfilling part of making it?
I think the most difficult part of making my thesis was, of course how will I be able to sell out the products; how will I be able to communicate the message that I was trying to deliver in order for the target market to buy it. I think as an advertising student, the most difficult part of a campaign is to create the BIG IDEA. It’s more like the ‘heart’ of your campaign. Once you’ve figured out your big idea, the rest will follow. The most fulfilling part was when I was on the edge of breaking down/giving up on my thesis. At that time, I decided to settle down from “gusto ko best thesis” to “Makapasa lang, Lord. Okay na ako”. Then on the day of my defense, I was ready to take ‘tres’ as my grade. However, by God’s grace, I received a grade higher and far beyond what I had imagined. Honestly, it was all worth the hard work.
The winner of third place is Renz Guevarra.
Renz
@RenzGuevarra on Twitter and Instagram
What were your sources of inspiration in coming up with this look?
Ellie Saab Spring/Summer Collection and flowers
Could you describe the actual process of making the clothes?
Handmade. Even in the details, isa isang kinabit. Medyo magfo-fall na sya sa couture pero ready to wear kasi yung design ko so yun.
Do you have any favorite local and international designers?
Yes! Micheal Cinco, Francis Libiran, Mak Tumang
If you were to choose one style essential in your closet, what would it be and why?
Button down/ripped jeans/Sneakers
What’s your inspiration for your thesis?
The three flowers found here in the Philippines — Lantana Camara, Jade Vine and Sampaguita.
What was the most difficult and fulfilling part of making it?
The most difficult part is yung pag coconceptualize ng 50 sketches for my collection. Kasi imagine 50 designs na dapat different sa isa’t-isa pero dapat cohesive?
The most fulfilling part naman was yung napasa and super na defend ko na sya sa super nakaka-intimidate na jury ko that day. So ayun, super happy ko kasi nagustuhan nilang lahat yung thesis ko, wala revisions and ang taas ng binigay nilang grades. SUPER FULFILLING.
