Designer Watch: Jasper Garvida, London's next 'It' designer

Reality has, without a doubt, invaded television in the last decade. Various programs ranging from Survivor to America’s Next Top Model show the real and not the scripted. But how does one deal with real life TV knowing it could change one’s life forever? This is exactly what Filipino-Canadian Jasper Garvida, who recently won Britain’s Project Catwalk went through during the show’s run. The show is adapted from the hit US show Project Runway.

In an interview, the designer talks about his struggles in Canada, how a copy of Vogue magazine made him go to London and the fear of coming out of the closet.

The struggling years

Born in Manila, Garvida and his family migrated to Canada when he was 12 years old. Garvida says his love for fashion and arts already started in his early years.

“I grew up in a creative environment. I was exposed to fashion through my sister who studied fashion and art. I was always fascinated by art — visiting galleries and museums. I learned how to draw when I was five and since then, I was really interested with texture, color and shapes. I decided to pursue fashion when I was 19. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a doctor when I was a kid but did not excel in Science or Math. I knew I have a huge interest in fashion but I was not entirely sure whether I could make a career out of it. Until I realized that it was something I could not live without. So I enrolled myself in a fashion school where I learned my craft,” he says.

And so he learned by enrolling at the International Academy of Design in Toronto where he mastered the basics of designing from pattern making to tailoring. After finishing his course in Toronto, Garvida realized that if he wanted to make it big, he must take many risks. It was by opening the pages of Vogue magazine that paved the way for him to try his luck in London.

“I was not expecting to come to London. I was struggling in Toronto as a designer. I wanted more and felt that I could give more. I opened a copy of Vogue and read an article about Central St. Martin’s. John Galliano, Stella McCartney, Alexander Mc Queen and Hussein Chalayan among others studied there. So in an instant, I told myself, I will drop everything and go to London and be one of them,” Garvida recalls.

Since graduating from Central St. Martin’s, Garvida was appointed as head designer for the couture label Michiko Koshino and held a teaching job as a fashion tutor in Havering College as well as designing for major high street labels.

Project Catwalk

To gain more exposure in fashion, Garvida auditioned for the third season of Project Catwalk hosted by Kelly Osbourne. Like Project Runway, designers go head to toe in various challenges ranging from a dress to show who you are as a designer to making a dress for Osbourne herself. Garvida emerged as winner of the show with his collection inspired by Salvador Dali’s surrealist castle. However, he says it was not easy exposing himself to the popular British show.

“Being criticized for my work is inevitable. Exposing myself as a person was very difficult. I am quite shy and reserved. But I went onto Project Catwalk because I wanted people to see me, to understand what I do and am capable of. I was not bothered by any bad or good comments because I know in my heart and mind that I give 100 percent of myself in everything I do. I am not perfect but I do try my best. The whole experience on Project Catwalk opened my eyes to the possibilities that I could be someone. For some reason, I felt that I had to prove to the world that I have a place in here. I felt that I had to make a difference in my life and in fashion. For someone who was a nobody like me, it was personally ground-breaking. I learned how to be more confident and strong as an individual,” he says.

 “I had such a great experience in Project Catwalk. I love every contestant, I think they are all talented and I am very humbled to be a part of it. The production team, directors, crew member were just fantastic. I made good friends with them and they are just amazing!” he adds.

Asked about Osbourne, Garvida has nothing but sweet words for her.

“Kelly is an amazing person. She is hardworking and determined. I remember the first time I met her, I was so frightened of her because I never met anyone famous so up-close. She went up to me and asked me if I was OK. And she said: ‘Don’t worry you’ll be fine, just enjoy the experience’.”

Aside from showcasing his collection, Garvida appeared in Grazia magazine as part of his prize and launched his collection exclusively sold in www.oli.co.uk.

I asked the designer how he would define British fashion, having been in London for quite so long.

“I suppose you can’t really define British fashion because the meaning of being British is constantly changing. Though, the fashion in London is very exciting compared to anywhere else. People are more daring and more fashion and body conscious,” Garvida says.

How would he describe the woman wearing his pieces?

“I suppose my clothes have different personas. Any woman can wear my clothes. It’s how one wears it. And that brings style and personality to a piece of garment. I design for the woman. I don’t imply my style. I apply my knowledge of fashion to every woman that I design for. They are my muse and my style icon.”

He has dressed a number of British celebrities, among them Liz Hurley, Sophie Dahl, Sugarbabes and Jodie Kidd. He cites Paul Poiret, Ossie Clark, Hussein Chalayan and Manish Arora as among his favorite designers

Coming out of the closet

It was not just showcasing his collection that changed Garvida’s life. It was also during the course of the competition that he decided to come out and tell his family who he really was.

“In my head, all I can think about was my family who was sitting in front of me — who I haven’t seen for years. I also told my parents the day before the show that I’m gay. I was so petrified of what they would think of me being here in London and if I have disappointed them by being on television, exposing my private life. Winning was the last thing in my mind, I just wanted them to see what I do and let them realize that I am okay and I’ve grown up. I was so fuelled with emotion seeing my father in his weakened state and I was thinking to myself ‘What have I done?’ I just wanted them to be proud. I wanted them to know that they have raised a good son,” he says.

Garvida is happy to hear that Filipino designers are now gaining popularity in the international scene.

“I think it’s really good. Filipinos are very down-to-earth people. When a Filipino succeeds in any field, it’s celebrated in his community may it be fashion, music, arts and others. It shows that the Philippines produces great international talents and that’s something to be proud of me. To be part of the Filipino culture and to be acknowledged is a good thing. It also shows how anyone who can dream and work hard for it can make it.”

He also adds that he would love to go back to Philippines since the last time he visited was years back.

“I haven’t been back since I was 17. It’s been a while but I would love to go and visit or be a part of Project Runway Philippines.”

Finally when asked for his message to budding designers, Garvida has these wise words to say.

“It’s a very tough industry to be in. You need great passion and determination in order to succeed. I still have a long way to go. But it takes time and lots of patience. But most of all, love what you do and be inspired and inspire others.”

Jasper Garvida may have been shy and reluctant at first to show his true self in reality television but he has come out of his shell to prove that he could be the next “It” designer in Britain. Watch out Lesley Mobo and London Fashion Week!

(A special thank you to David Angel for the photos. For more information, please visit jaspergarvida.com)