On Top of the Fashion Heap

CEBU, Philippines - As an aspiring top designer, getting the clothes you've painstakingly designed praised by Philippine fashion heavyweights like Joey Espino, Jerome Lorico, Daryl Chang and Bang Pineda, would probably be on top of your life goals.

Joselito "Josei" Ouano Cuizon, a 3rd year fashion design student from the University of San Carlos -Talamban and winner of the recent LEE NATIONAL DENIM DAY: Student Designer Competition, just crossed that off in his bucket list.

From more than a hundred entries, Cuizon, together with classmates Charmaine Tara Chua and Kristel Perez, were chosen to partake in apparel giant LEE's Student Designer Competition. The trio were the only representatives from Cebu as the rest of the finalists were from Manila.

LEE asked the students to come up with something explosive yet wearable, considering the wide market of consumers the brand has.

Cuizon was assigned to create a two-piece collection inspired by the Japanese city, Tokyo.

"I had a vision wherein my design was basically a summary of Tokyo itself. Structure, prints, innovation, loudness, influence of Japanese sub-cultures and contemporary Tokyo street style," disclosed the designer.

While the budding fashion designer underwent consultations & styling sessions with some of the best in the industry in Manila to gain fresh input, another story was happening back in Cebu.

His father was admitted in the intensive care unit due to liver cirrhosis.

"My dad was rushed to the hospital during the second day of my stay in Manila. I had a feeling something was wrong but I essentially had no confirmation up until the night of the fashion show. My family have always been so supportive and I guess they didn't want me to worry."

He is now thankful that his dad is getting better every single day.

Cuizon described his road to creative bliss as a story ripped out of the pages of a movie script. He makes sure he never lets himself get complacent, and he feeds off the pressure of becoming a better designer.

Cuizon eventually took home the bacon after showcasing his designs, which he admits astoundingly satisfied his high standards.

"I was already overwhelmed with joy and happiness when I was standing onstage before they announced the winner. To me, winning was just the consolation, the whole experience was the grand prize."

"I'm very grateful for the people behind LEE,for being my family the whole time I was in Manila.They have been so nice and accommodating," he concluded.

Aside from bragging rights, Cuizon received two thousand American dollars from LEE. As a firm believer that studies have to come first, Cuizon is set to finish his last year in USC-TC. He is also hopeful that this whole experience would open doors for more opportunities in the future like working in Manila or for the brand LEE.

Adding to his already impressive resume, the designer and HIV advocate is also the Editor-in-chief of BLANK Online Magazine which was launched early this year. BLANK is an online androgynous fashion magazine that envisions a compilation of arts, beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

Cuizon also motivates other young Cebuano designers to "never be afraid to be different. Always follow your vision, chase your dreams and reach for your goals and most importantly, have fun doing it." (FREEMAN)