For many Filipinos, the passion for fashion is very much ingrained, from thinking about what would best compliement your figure, to finding that perfect dress or pair of shoes that you just have to have for a special occasion. The search can be a tiring one, but the satisfaction in finding what you want makes it all worthwhile. Yet some even take it to the next level by making that passion into a vocation.
Lucky for those who are serious about having a career in the fashion industry, LaSalle College International- Manila (LCI), being the first and only international fashion school in the Philippines, has been providing a venue for Filipinos interested in cultivating their passion for fashion. Since its launch in November of 2000, as an addition to the 19 branches in 11 countries of Groupe College LaSalle Montreal, LCI has been home to unique individuals with the desire to express their own unique ideas.
More than 40 students have already graduated with various degrees in fashion design, fashion marketing, fashion photography, artistic makeup and fashion jewelry and accessories. With a maximum of just 10 students per class, the approach to learning is intensive and in-depth, educating and equipping the students on what it takes to make it educating and equipping them with what it takes to make it in the world of fashion.
Athena Tandoc, 34, has been married for 11 years and is currently a student at LCI. “I would get up every morning to get dressed and find it difficult to pick the right clothes to wear. Deciding to go to fashion school was the best thing since it was always my dream to be in this field. I was very much surprised when I was able to make my first dress in class. The teaching style is very focused and the training that you get here is essential.” Eighteen-year-old German-Filipino Karl Sutterlin came all the way from Germany to the Philippines just to take a course at LCI. “I had always been interested in clothes and the family business in Germany was pretty boring. So when this opportunity came, it was something I could not pass up. Our class is like a family, it’s so comfortable being around each other. This helped me not be too conservative and to be able to really express myself.”
Fashion industry veterans such as Danilo Franco, Gerry Katigbak, Marden Iglesias, Edgar Mendoza, Divine Paguila, Lydia Pajaron, Jiji Cinco, Trina Molina, Ben Pascua, Zeny de Guzman, Ricky Cruz, Benhur Arcayan, RB Chanco and Andrian Eduardo give the students insider industry knowledge and immerse them in firsthand experience on different subjects. From translating one’s vision onto paper to cutting out the pattern and realizing the dress in actuality — it’s an individualized style of teaching that gives students an overwhelming sense of fulfillment and determination to make it on their own.
Graduates over the past years have proven how essential the training is, and how the things taught helped them become the designers they are today.
For Happy Andrada, LCI graduate and owner of the gothic and edgy glam-rock label F*ART, it was the support of the teachers that really helped. “The teachers really share their knowledge and help enhance your personal style. We got to explore other things such as how to deal with clients and learned a lot of techniques.” Batch 2005 graduate and owner of the store Pandango, Finina Tugade agrees. “The school encourages you to be your own person. There are foreign teachers that come and teach you technical things you can’t learn in books, but then the Filipino designer teachers translate that into helping you sell your product in the Philippine market. LCI has a pretty good curriculum.”
The fruits of all the hard work, both of students and teachers, are very much apparent in the distinctive pieces that are produced by each. When asked about their plans after graduation, current LCI students can’t help but get excited at the opportunities that are now open to them, as they begin formulating plans for their own fashion lines. As they approach their eighth year, LaSalle College International-Manila continues to give birth to excellent aspiring young fashion entrepreneurs and designers as they embark on an exciting and creative journey, delving into the dynamic world of fashion.
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LaSalle College International is located at 2/F Bloomingdale Building, 205 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Call 840-1476 or log on to www.lasallecollege.com.ph.