Dreams and Designs

When talking with jewelry artist and designer Charlie Manatad, you can expect another presence in the room: confidence. And this sense of daring to take on anything, combined with creative passion, translates into his handiworks-which, by the way, demand no less to be worn with equal confidence, as they shape the bearing of the outfit themselves. Many of Cebu's fashionistas-from socialites to beauty queens-have put on his design pieces, which mirror a "vintage charm" with a modern spin, thus rising above today's all-the-rage styles that frequently come in and out of favor. The Charlie Manatad mark is all about elaborate detail, unusual color schemes and multi-use of symmetry-an interpretation of assorted gems of inspirations culled from dreams (happy and otherwise!).

This Computer Science and Economics graduate from University of San Carlos and one-time college instructor traveled all the way to Norway to originally pursue masteral studies upon the recommendation of his brother, who worked as a ship captain for a Norwegian line. The hand of fate directed him otherwise to ramp and print ad modeling because of his tanned Asian looks (oftentimes described Hiawatha, a term referring to American-Indians, and which his jewelry line is named after). He certainly is a standout among the pale-white Caucasians. This profession ushered Charlie, once tagged sexiest Asian in Norway, into the world of jewelry design.

The FREEMAN sat down with Charlie one breezy afternoon in an Italian restaurant overlooking the expanse of near-dusk Cebu to talk about life and what else...jewelry.

How did you get into jewelry design?
I should say it started out as a hobby. I first got interested when I was modeling (for seven years), as designers loved to put necklaces or accessories on me because they thought I have a nice chest and neck (laughs).

While looking at those accessories and necklaces, I told myself I could make these stuff. My oldest sister Arlene used to export accessories and used native materials way back in the late 80's and I was fascinated by the shapes of the woods and the beads that she connected and how she added colorful components to it. Then, four years ago, I met a Dutch friend Michiel Ansingh, who introduced me to high-end jewelry making and taught me how to be more creative.

Has it been hard to get started?
Being creative and blessed to have all the components that others don't have access to when making jewelries are a plus... that's why it's easier for me to make one necklace in 20 minutes. Getting started was not hard for me, but fun.

What do you think is your biggest break?
Last year was my great year since I launched my website (www.charliemanatad.com) and was able to penetrate the European market. I also tried to get into the American taste... But I smelled success after getting good feedback from clients who saw my website. So, I think it was my biggest break so far and still looking forward to more in the future.

Do you design for yourself, or do you find that you design according to what seems to be 'in' at the moment?
I'm a very eccentric person. I seldom like my creations. I keep on making and making until I create a masterpiece. When I make jewelry I based them from my nightmares and wild dreams...I mean weird dreams. Strange, isn't it? I would wake up in the middle of the night and draw and try to remember what I saw in my dreams and, from there, a new collection is born.

As you can see, most of my creations are kind of weird and look like they are out of this world. But fashionistas call it couture. Friends have told me that I create trends and I usually go against the flow.

Are you a jewelry person?
I'm not really a jewelry person. My friends also wonder why, but I love wearing the deluxe accessories occasionally. I am the kind of jewelry designer who doesn't like to wear my designs. It's true, I go to parties with only a watch or a rubber band (to hold my long hair) on my wrist.

What defines your style, or rather, what makes your pieces unique? What types of personalities do you see wearing your designs?
My designs are unique, probably because I use unique materials like metals, leather straps to vintage stones, or from ordinary materials but have a unique designs, or a hard to find component, which only my mentor has.

I dress up or accessorize friends on special events and my muses are Quennie Amman and Czarina Calderon. Basically, my designs are sexy, masculine, a bit butchy, a bit bitchy, naughty, flirty...(laughs).

Do you already get orders from outside of Cebu or even outside of the country?
Orders and inquiries from different cities of Europe and even USA. Clients from here and Manila make me busy.

Is it true your designs would figure in an upcoming Hollywood film?
I always wanted to work with movie companies and so I'm happy that I've met a filmmaker who has given me the opportunity to accessorize the characters of his film. Steve, a Swedish Moroccan guy, wants me to work with him for his vampire-themed film that Paramount Pictures will release at the end of 2007. I am so excited when he mentioned celebrities who are my favorites to portray roles in the film. I will be able to let you know about the names later when the movie will start to shoot in the summer and fall of this year in Sweden and Morocco.

If someone were interested in pursuing jewelry-making as a hobby or a career, besides a keen sense of style and creativity, what other attributes would you say are important to get on with it?
Jewelry making is as easy as ABC, if you are creative and fickle minded, like me (laughs). But seriously, it's like a high school project that needs attention for that very moment. Meaning every one can be a jewelry designer-even a 7-year -old kid can make her own necklace using dried flowers and sticks But making it as a business is another story. It requires more focus and your jewelry have to be updated and protected. Otherwise, they can be copied.

What's going to happen on the 25th?
March 25th is the day when I'm going to showcase some of the pieces I've made for the vampire movie and I'm happy that Teatro Casino Cebu is co-producing the show. This jewelry show will also feature jewelry pieces of co-designer Mark Tenchavez of SHANDAR who went to compete in Paris last year.