Artists of Fashion

CEBU, Philippines -  In today’s fast-paced life, many things change quickly. And people change bases constantly; and it’s not hard to do given the modern modes of transportation.

Professionals are largely affected, including artists in all lines of arts. Three fashion designers, who were once budding talents in Cebu, have now made names for themselves elsewhere dressing up celebrities and international clients. It’s heart-warming to note that the three have not the place where they come from.

Yves Camingue, Harvey Cenit and Jian Lasala are coming home to present their 2018 Spring Summer Collection at The Gallery of Ayala Center Cebu tomorrow, November 17. The event is dubbed “Fashion Homecoming.” And the three accomplished designers are kind enough to spare some time to answer questions:

What does “Fashion Homecoming” mean to you?

Cenit: It is like a rebirth, for me. It's showing what I have become… looking back where I came from, thanksgiving and keeping my name in my birthplace.

Camingue: It’s returning to my roots, reminiscing my beginnings, thanking my family for the support and recognizing where I started as a fashion designer – in Cebu City. And I bring beautiful creations that are a testament to what I’ve become, through failures that have become successes and years of hard work. Hopefully I will inspire the next generation of designers.

Lasala: It is, for me, like telling everyone that I have ‘arrived’. It is a culmination of all of my efforts and accomplishments as a designer. And where else would it best be than in the place where all my dreams and ambitions as a designer started.

What would you consider to be your best show so far?

Cenit: “Weddings at the Waterfront.” Being with all those fashion superstars is a dream-come-true.

Camingue: Aside from showing at Hong Kong Centerstage in September 2016 with other Asian designers, I consider showing at the recent Bench Design Awards my best show so far. It was like

my coming-of-age collection. Nothing compares to presenting in your own country; it's both humbling

and validating.

Lasala: My best show so far was Hong Kong Fashion Week's Centerstage in 2016. That opened my eyes to the real business of fashion and gave me a clue on where to bring my brand next.

What brands or companies have you worked for?

Cenit: Al Aroosa Aniqah-Dubai. This is actually my second job after being an in-house designer of Harley Ruedas for almost eight years.

Camingue: StokedInc. And a short stint at Mossimo; the Holiday 2017 collection that is available now was designed by  me.

Lasala: I have worked for Bench, Bergamo and StokedInc as designer. I also work for SM Accessories as their stylist.

What’s been your fashion first?

Cenit: When I was in high school, I designed my sister's wedding gown. I knew back then that I was going to do this for the rest of my life.

Camingue: My fashion first was designing for majorettes in our school’s Drum & Bugle Corps in third year high school. My design got a special award for Best in Costume at the inter-school competition.

Lasala: My fashion first was winning the Cebu Events Young Designers Competition in 2007. That was the first and last competition that I won.

How do you see yourself by 2020?

Cenit: I think I would still be in the Middle East. But I wish to have a showroom in Cebu and continue joining fashion shows in the Philippines, just to let Filipinos know that I'm around and always will be a Filipino – a Cebuano.

Camingue: I see myself alternating Manila and Siargao soon, as finally we are building our own humble cottage in the beautiful island. Online retailing will still hopefully continue through Miz + Moxie.

Lasala: I see myself evolving as a businessman rather than just a designer – seeing my brand grow in a direction that is not expected among young designers today.

What’s your signature style?

Camingue: Mine is Urban Urban Urban! (laughs) That's it! Be it Urban romantic or Urban celebrity or Urban fierce diva. But that's just the surface. It's more adding a confident layer to the person who aspires for more in this world – she or he who is both an achiever and globe wanderer.

Lasala: My signature style has always been very feminine. At first my silhouettes were very boxy, and tailored and it evolved to hourglass in shape. I keep the minimalist side of me by playing on textures and different fabrics.

These homecoming designers take center stage tomorrow with their signature styles to be worn by Cebu's top runway models dolled up by Romeo Vergara. “Fashion Homecoming” is a two-part, first- ever silent fashion show that’s sure to keep everyone on their toes. (FREEMAN)