Debbie has already garnered countless fans, among them Shu Uemura makeup artist Xeng Zulueta from whom I first heard of Debbie, and she has also caught the attention of the fashion gurus at Preview where her work has already been featured even though she doesn't have her own atelier. For Debbie, this is absolutely not enough!
She has started her courses at the venerable Central Saint Martins and she is already thinking big. "I’m quite happy with how my fashion career is going so far. I was able to supply two stores this year while studying. My clothes have also been featured in some magazines like Preview, Meg and Just Shop. I’m hoping to put up my studio and start doing made to order clothes and expand my ready-to-wear line as well, after my stint in CSM."
In terms of target audience, the customer may be anyone who has read Harlequin novels to sleep and listened to Electroclash to relax. "My sources of inspiration come from different places, cultures and eras, elements in interior design and architecture, shows, shops, cafes, galleries, music and films, magazines, parties. I try to keep my eyes and ears open all the time, trying to absorb the subtle changes that take place." She adds, "I design best using 3D skills, creating ideas in 3D using fabrics (i.e. draping). I also try to source for fabrics first and then create a design that is best for that particular fabric."
"For this shoot, my concept was raw-edged romantic (cue the photo ops of Fabio with a mohawk). Mysterious and romantic, this very feminine collection has a familiar and slightly nostalgic mood. Hazy and misty with a strong focus on iridescent effects are targeted to dressy accent pieces and evening wear," she explains. "Emphasis is put on texture, appliqués, irregular cuts and distressed finishes creating a raw-edged romantic look. The fabric and finishes are rustic-looking and feature their construction and makeup as part of the final look."
As Debbie continues her war against fashion wallflowers, her design promises the same as Robin Leach, the luxury and extravagance of champagne wishes and caviar dreams. She describes her dream project as "a sumptuous couture dress using rich and opulent fabrics, filled with dramatic gemstone details with a sky’s-the-limit budget." I’m hoping to wear one real soon just when she gets back, must negotiate the sky’s the limit budget though.