The role of being one of Philippine artistry’s biggest supporters has been occupied by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Arts and Design School, an institution that has broken ground by offering specific arts courses, Parson’s style, such as AB fashion design and merchandising and AB multimedia arts. By providing ample facilities and hands-on expertise, along with a viable degree, DLS-CSB is fast becoming a roosting ground for the country’s young creative minds and fashion fledglings – its AB fashion design and merchandising course produced finalists for the annual Philippine Fashion Design Competition two years in the running, Brian Leyva in 2004 and VJ Floresca for the 2005 competition.
Faithfully acceding to its reputation of being hunters of the novel and lovers of untapped artistic talent, YStyle takes a campus tour, sits-in on a fashion design class and takes a peek into the future of Pinoy couture. We discover five design potentials and each one’s take on lingerie (made wearable for the shoot so as not to incur disciplinary offense), and glean a promise of the upcoming.
I realized my calling when I was a child. My mom would buy lots of fabric and sell them to officemates who either didn’t have the time or the interest to search the treasures of Divisoria. Even then I would revel in the fabrics and make sketches inspired by these fabrics.
Why CSB-DLS?
For practical reasons, I took up a bachelor’s degree at UST, though I always considered taking up fashion design and merchandising. But I guess it’s true that "fate leads the willing, drags along the reluctant." As soon as I graduated, a scholarship from the CSB-Filipinescas Dance Company fell on my lap. I grabbed the chance to fulfil my dream in a school that specializes in and has the best facilities and instructors when it comes to the arts.
What was the first ensemble you ever created?
I cut my Barbie’s long gown and glued a big ruffled edge to the back hip part of what was left of her gown, such that she had a mini bustle skirt with a train – she had nothing to wear to cocktails with Ken that night.
Are you now accepting orders?
I have just recently started accepting orders.
Fashion icons?
Imelda Marcos, Tina Maristela Ocampo, Audrey Hepburn, Nicole Kidman.
Designer Idols?
Inno Sotto, Ben Farrales, Alberta Ferretti, Vivienne Tam.
Dream job?
I believe experience is the best teacher, so I’d like to take things one step at a time. First, I’d like to work for a fashion magazine, then head the merchandising department of a high-end retail store, and then eventually create my own label.
Who are you just itching to make over?
Regine Velasquez – she always wears the same plunging V-dress, only in different colors.
What classic clothing piece would you like to re-fashion?
The Maria Clara. I’d experiment with draping and detail, as well as modern cuts.
I didn’t just wake up one day and think, "Hey! I want to be a fashion designer." It was something I sort of grew into. So the realization was a long, steady and continuous process. Mmmmm…. lovin’ it!
What was the first ensemble you ever created?
I also had this pair of navy blue cotton twill cargo pants that I rarely used. I just snipped off a quarter off its length, frayed the edges and applied the same random stitching I used on the black shirt. I loved it!
Are you now accepting orders?
I’m now accepting orders. Friends and family often ask me to make regular pieces for them such as shirts, boleros, and jeans: clothing articles that can be worn on a daily basis. I’ve made a few gowns for my friends as well.
Designer idols?
R-O-B-E-R-T-O C-A-V-A-L-L-I. Love him heaps! I also like Dita Sandico-Ong, because she promotes the use of indigenous fabrics, and Ivarluski Aseron for his playful use of lines.
Dream client?
Paris Hilton and Kris Aquino.
Who are you just itching to make over?
I love Christina Aguilera’s voice and songs but sometimes she wears such trashy outfits. It would be fun to work with her and maybe give her fashion sense a little conditioning.
Would you ever dress up Say Alonzo (schoolmate and the new crush ng bayan, courtesy of Pinoy Big Brother)?
I’d love to. She’s just so sweet and I think she’s game enough to wear my creations.
What classic clothing piece would you like to re-fashion?
The polo barong. It’s a very versatile article of clothing.
How would you revolutionize Pinoy fashion?
I take pride on being Filipino and would like to promote the use of indigenous fibers and materials to the world market. We just need to be more aggressive.
Ever since, I’ve had a queer eye for clothing. During high school, I would design clothes and costumes for school events and would always get recognized for it. I took it as a sign.
What was the first ensemble you ever created?
My junior prom dress: a Grecian-inspired Venus cut dress in tan with draped chiffon on the shoulder that connects to the middle finger. I was awarded "Best Dressed of the Night".
What aspect of fashion design would you like to specialize in?
I would like to specialize in couture and shoes, and then RTW will follow. My signature is putting a twist in anything; I don’t like the conventional.
Are you now accepting orders? Working for a company part time?
I accept orders to make clothes and I’m also a freelance stylist. I’m also a visual merchandiser/artist for Karimadon and just recently did the Amanda Griffin campaign.
Fashion icons?
Imelda Marcos, Gisele Bundchen, Destiny’s Child, Sex and the City ladies, and Gwen Stefani.
Designer idols?
John Galliano, Manolo Blahnik, Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli, Yves Saint Laurent, Donna Karan, Oscar dela Renta, Alexander McQueen, and new young Pinoy designers.
Dream job?
To become a designer that can be a threat to the house of Dior. Hehe.
Who are you just itching to make over?
Our president. Haha.
What classic clothing piece would you like to re-fashion?
Our own terno and Maria Clara, and ball dresses from the Renaissance and medieval ages. I’d like to make them fashionably wearable for going to malls, movies and clubbing – I won’t mind the staring or buzzing.
How would you revolutionize Pinoy fashion?
I would love Pinoys to be more open—minded with fashion and hopefully less influenced by Western culture. We have to let go of the conventional, mix elements to add a twist, dare to experiment, express, and have fun.
I’ve always wanted to become a fashion designer since high school. Every notebook I had would have drawings of outfits I had in mind to wear for the weekend. Since then, I’ve indulged my passion for fashion.
What was the first ensemble you ever created?
I made my first three ensembles for the Route 17 Fashion Design competition. It was a safari collection combined with bohemian style.
What aspect of fashion design would you like to specialize in?
I’d love to explore creatively designed, custom made, one-of -a-kind works of art: haute couture. I love doing extraordinary details that will blow away my clients and audience.
Fashion icons?
I’m a big fan of Jackie O.
Designer idols?
I love the works of John Galliano and Rajo Laurel.
Who are you just itching to make over?
Oh gosh! I’d have to admit that it’s Pauleen Luna of Eat Bulaga. I like her, she’s a pretty actress but I have seen her outfits on TV and, may I say, she needs professional help (sorry).
What classic clothing piece would you like to re-fashion?
Oh, I love the classic Monroe, I want to give rebirth, not only to the fashion, but also to the beauty of the people. I love classic beauty. I also love adopting styles from the Edwardian era into my designs.
How would you revolutionize Pinoy fashion?
I am happy that Pinoy fashion is really improving nowadays. People now recognize Pinoy fashion designers as having so much talent. They have been seen, not only here in our country, but also in other places. Designers like Monique Lhuillier are one of my icons and inspirations for showing the pure talent of Filipinos.
Hotwind, the latest brand to come in from fashion giant Shanghai, is just one more reason for women to go crazy over footwear. "The attention to detail in each pair of shoe is remarkable for mass-produced shoes," explains HotWind owner Andy Cruz, showing off green peep-toe platform wedges. "Traditionally, you only see reverse stitching and finely crafted insoles in top-dollar designer brands like Manolo Blahnik, but that’s not the case with HotWind, which is beautiful both inside and out." Case in point: the aforementioned green wedge platforms (get this now because this is the "it" shoe for Spring/Summer 2006!), where the heel is wrapped in a green floral raffia. "The star pieces of the collection are textured pumps in black," says owner Andy Cruz. The round-toe pumps in velvet, as well as the pointed satin heels with cut-out back detail, are very much in the spirit of what’s happening in fashion this season. "We’ve also brought in a lot of ballet flats in keeping with the autumn/winter Francophile trend," reveals Andy. "The thing I love about HotWind more than its fashion-forward styling is that their shoes are super comfortable," shares Andy, "if I’m going to have a long, active day and I have to wear heels, I’ll definitely put on HotWind. My HotWind shoes are the only ones that will get me through a day of trekking at the mall."The HotWind flagship store is located at Level 1, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati. Satellite branches are at Level 2, The Ramp, Crossings, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong and Second floor, Nail Spa, 109 Gamboa St., Legaspi Village, Makati.