JC Buendia: A class fashion act

I first met JC Buendia in1985. I was a 20-year-old model and he was a fourth-year college student at the University of Santo Tomas. I had already been a professional model for six years while he was an aspiring designer, attempting his first foray into fashion as a contestant in the Young Designers Competition organized by the Fashion Designers Group (FDG) and sponsored by Air France. I do not recall much about that show but a backstage snapshot taken of the two of us is a candid and telling reminder of how far the shy but very talented and determined

totoy

-looking young man has come.

Today, JC Buendia is a much sought-after and well-respected fashion designer, known for his creative brilliance and artistry. His use of local fabrics in modern, sophisticated and stylish designs with a hint of locality serves as a reminder of our rich fashion heritage and is a testament to his reputation as one of the best fashion designers his generation has produced.

To celebrate his 25 five years in fashion, Metro Society and Tresemmé will present “JC Buendia 25th,” a highly anticipated solo gala show tomorrow, Aug. 27, at the Marriott Hotel Manila.

I sat down with JC a few days ago for an intimate, one-on-one interview where he gamely talked about life and love, including his ultimate fashion fantasy.

PHILIPPINE STAR: When did you first realize you wanted to be a fashion designer?

JC BUENDIA: I started sketching when I was about five years old; after I watched Disney movies, I would sit down and sketch Snow White and all the other characters I watched, comics-style in full color. I used up most of my mother’s prescription pads! I continued to do that and then in high school, I discovered Scruples, the book du jour in my school. While everyone else read it for the steamy content, I read it because the heroine Valentine’s mom had a fabulous wardrobe and dressed in Pierre Balmain.

Wow, at five years old? That means you were destined to be a fashion designer! Did you take a fashion design course in college?

No, I enrolled in pre-medicine because my mother, grandfather, uncles and other members of our family were doctors; it was kind of like a family tradition and since I was the most studious among four male siblings, everyone thought I had the most potential to become a doctor.

So what happened? How did you go from pre-med to fashion?

During one of our classes held at a laboratory, I became so distraught seeing all the medical specimens and nearly fainted from the smell of formaldehyde. So, I told my parents I didn’t think I had what it took to be a doctor so I shifted to interior design since it was the only course that offered two units in fashion design. There were no fashion design courses then.

Twenty-seven years ago: Model Tetta Ortiz and the designer during JC Buendia’s first-ever foray into fashion.

What was the reaction of your parents, were they disappointed?

No naman, my whole family was very supportive. After UST, I went to Slim’s to take courses in fashion, mostly technical ones like pattern-making and sewing.

What would you consider your first fashion creation?

Yung sinuot mo sa FDG Young Designers Competition in 1985; it was a black satin gown with an ivory coat.

I am so flattered and honored to have been part of your fashion journey! Who would you consider your fashion mentors?

Top of mind, I would say Cesar Gaupo and Inno Sotto. I apprenticed with Cesar for seven years right out of college; he was very generous with his talent and taught me a very important lesson I practice to this day — like to imagine the lifestyle of the woman I would be dressing up when I create a design. After my stint with Cesar, I worked on an RTW line for Shoemart called Thesa under the guidance of Tessie Sy-Coson and for Kirei after that.

When did you decide to strike out on your own?

In 2000. I actually almost gave up fashion design at that time but a very good friend encouraged me to take the leap and go solo. I started with P10,000 from my mom and two sewers.

What does JC stand for?

Julius Cesar, but not the Roman Emperor; I was named after my two grandfathers.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Very clean, polished, feminine and romantic. I draw inspiration from movies made between 1917 and pre-World War I, during the time of Chanel and Schiaparelli. I also take inspiration from movie stars and style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly; I am also a big fan of royalty. Princess Diana was my favorite.

Yes, I read somewhere that you are a romanticist. Is that only in your designs or is that the case in your personal life?

Full circle: Author Tetta Ortiz-Matera has a fashion reunion with celebrity and society designer JC Buendia.

I have never been in a relationship and quite honestly it has never been a priority of mine; my love for my family supersedes everything else. I am a very happy person, I have constant and tremendous love and support from family and friends even my clients plus I have a successful fashion design career so I have never felt the need to be in a relationship. I adore romantic movies though and enjoy watching them and getting lost in the stories of the characters. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is my all-time favorite Valentine movie.

Would you consider yourself to be an old soul since you derive so much inspiration from the movies and the stars of bygone eras?

I don’t know if you would call me an old soul but according to two clairvoyants I have met, not that I necessarily believe them, I was once a High Priest during the time of Pharaoh and a theatrical Geisha in my former lives.

Really? What a colorful past you’ve had! If there was one thing that people don’t know about you that you would like to share, what would it be?

When I was much younger I thought all fashion designers spoke French, so for several summers many years ago, I enrolled at Alliance Francaise and learned to speak French.

What would you consider to be the turning point of your solo career as a designer?

Two things. The first would be when I began designing for then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; Joanne Zapanta-Andrada introduced me to her while she was still vice president in 2001. All of a sudden I was getting more media attention with the outfits I was making for her especially those she wore to her state visits to China and Japan. She was always very busy so I actually used my mom as a “fit model” from time to time since they were about the same height and weight. I must have made over 500 outfits for her. The second would be when I was chosen to create the wardrobe for Maricel Soriano, the matriarch in the movie Mano Po 1; the movie gained me access into the world of show business.

After Mrs. Arroyo’s fall from grace, did you get any backlash as her designer?

Not at all. In fact, Kris Aquino who was already my client, introduced me to her brother President Noynoy and asked me to make some clothes for him.

Do your politician clients like to talk politics or ask about your political views?

Never. They kind of like to hear our normal banter, our kuwentos during fittings and welcome the break from political talk. President Noynoy would sometimes say, “Sige ituloy nyo lang yung pinag-uusapan nyo diyan.”

Would you care to share some of the names of your high profile or famous celebrity clients?

I also dress veteran actress and Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Cesar Montano, Kris Aquino, Coco Martin and Agot Isidro, to name a few.

What is your theme for the “JC Buendia 25th” show?

The 50-piece collection will be divided into five suites: the first one is entitled English Rose, a collection of black and white dresses in tulle and French lace reminiscent of scenes from the English countryside. The second suite is called Jeune Fille or young ladies featuring full skirts and tops with billowy sleeves and perky bows. The third suite is Les Choristes or the choir where I will showcase my men’s wear in black and grey. The fourth suite is the State Visit, a series of tailored clothes for women in power and lastly, the Sakura, an ode to Asian heroines like those in the movies Memoirs of a Geisha and The Last Emperor, which will highlight the simplicity of Asian garments.

When you were voted president of the Fashion Designers Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in 2010, you talked about uniting the members and working towards nation building. Have you been able to achieve those?

Yes, the members are closer than ever and we have embarked on projects using and promoting Filipino local fabrics in our designs; in fact, I will be using abaca fabrics mixed with cotton and silk made by Catanduanes weavers in this show. Because of this commitment, I have been able to provide full-time employment to the weavers and have created awareness for the area’s local abaca industry.

I know you to be a quiet, gentle and well-mannered person; how would you describe yourself in five words?

Cheerful, an optimist, sensitive, loyal and romantic.

What trait do you value the most among your friends?

Thoughtfulness.

Apart from designing, what is your other most favorite thing to do?

I love to eat, especially Filipino food. I particularly enjoy my mom’s pork adobo and since I moved back to live with her after my father passed away last year, I get to eat more of her homemade recipes.

What will be the first thing you do after your show on Monday?

I will bring all the bouquets of flowers I will receive during the show to my father and brother’s grave on Tuesday. A few days after that, I will travel with my mother to California to visit my brother; we will celebrate and take a break at the same time.

Your mom must be very proud of you; your dad and brother must be smiling down on you from heaven. Is there anything else you would like to do? Do you have an ultimate fashion fantasy?

I would have loved to dress Princess Diana in a Maria Clara! But since that is not possible, I would like to look forward to the future and hopefully have the opportunity to design for the House of Dior.

Bringing Filipino talent and ingenuity to the House of Dior? Now, that sounds like a plan.

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JC Buendia 25th is being presented by Metro Society Magazine with Tresemmé and LG Electronics in cooperation with The Marriott Hotel Manila, Metrobank and Century Properties, with the participation of Ideal Vision and Macchiavelli Chocolatier.)