The northern son Down Under

Designer Watch: Mark Antonio

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino fashion has definitely gone global. With shows such as Project Runway, exposure has paved the way for budding designers to showcase their talent. Take for example Filipino-Australian Mark Antonio who was a finalist in Project Runway Australia.

Born in Baguio City, Mark says his family would spend their vacations in the northern part of the country. “Mom always made sure we stayed connected with our relatives every summer so we would go to Vigan in Ilocos Sur. I remember helping lola and lolo strew tobacco leaves to dry them up in this huge kiln the size of a house,” Mark recalls.

At 16, he, along with his mom and two sisters, migrated to Brisbane. It was in high school when he decided to pursue fashion even if his family was in a different field.

“I was never one of those self-assured kids who would claim that they were born in fashion. The fact is, I was born in poverty but somehow I knew there was something bigger out there for me. I dabbled in all sorts of creative arts but I was decided that I was not going to pursue something unless I knew I was going to be the best at it. So I decided to pursue fashion after graduating in high school, much to Mom’s disappointment as everyone in my family is in the medical field and there was this huge expectation for me to follow suit. I won a design competition in college and the rest was history!”

But it would be Project Runway Australia that would make Mark a household name. Appearing in Season One of the show, Mark says his experience on the show was intense.

“Every challenge was nerve-wracking for me because there is that anxiety that you never know what they will be hitting you with next,” he remembers.

“The judges were very intimidating and I hated standing in front of them. You never know what they are thinking and when you do end up getting criticized for an awful design, you feel so small you just want to hide behind the curtains until they decide to play nice again,” he adds.

Although he did not end up as the winner, Mark says that his experience on the show was worth it. “I was quite happy to go when I was eliminated. I was emotionally, mentally and physically drained by that stage. The one major thing that I struggled with in the house was the lack of personal space. I was surrounded by the other contestants, cameras and producers 24/7 and I’m the sort of person who needs some own time. Would I do it all over again? Hell yes!”

Asked to describe the Australian fashion scene, Marks says: “Australian fashion is very laidback with a touch of glam. We’re not very experimental people. I wouldn’t say Australian fashion is the most directional. However, we are known around the world for capturing a very relaxed aesthetic.”

He counts Australian designer Toni Maticevski, (“I can easily align my aesthetic with his,” Mark says.) as well as Givenchy, Vera Wang and Oscar dela Renta as the designers he looks up to. His looks were worn by popular Australian personalities including Australian supermodel Cheyenne Tozzi. As for his dream client? “I was watching a stage play and Cate Blanchett was sitting directly in front of me. It would be an ultimate dream to dress her up.”

Since his stint with the show, Mark has been busy designing for a brand called Grace & Hart as well as designing made-to-order clothes. He was also the online host for Project Runway Australia’s website where he reported on the happenings of the Season Two.

And for aspiring designers, here’s what Mark has to share: “It’s a very cutthroat industry. You either have it or you don’t. My advice to young up-and-coming designers is to persevere. If you know you’re doing a good thing, stick with it. Know your aesthetic and keep your egos in your pockets. The industry is constantly evolving and the trick is to stay ahead of the game.”