A designer channeling London and her lola

Camille Villanueva is an emerging talent you just don’t know about yet. With stints at Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and a fashion education from London’s Central Saint Martins, the 29-year-old designer has found her true calling designing for Manila’s fashionable set. Her stay in London, which she cites as a big fermentation of creativity and style, has exposed her to many possibilities — making her think outside of the box and solidify her love for all things fashion. With six years of design experience and a growing portfolio of work, Villanueva has developed her distinctive stamp and monomaniacal eye for detail. With references to movement and dance, Villanueva’s designs can be characterized as sexy, saucy and full on — attracting a shiny, new market of strong, confident women in their 20s and 30s. We recently caught up with the young designer to discuss her design philosophy, creative process and what sets her label apart.

What is your label all about?

I have two labels: Camille Villanueva for couture and The Yellow Door for ready-to-wear.

For couture, it depends on my collection, mood, inspiration and who I’m designing for.

For ready-to-wear, these are the clothes I would wear every day — very easy and no-fuss.

Why did you decide to launch your own label?

I knew I had to start somewhere and I wanted to show what I can do.

Describe your work in three words.

Sexy, feminine and chic.

Can you share your creative process?

I start by researching things that I like, then I create a mood board. Sometimes, it’s not cohesive but it becomes a story.

What has been your biggest influence?

London and my grandmother’s style. She had impeccable taste.

Which designers inspire you?

I love Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein and Valentino.

What sets your label apart?

I use natural fabrics and I design depending on the woman’s body.

What kind of materials do you like to play with?

I love using natural fabrics. It’s good for the skin. Now, I use a lot of jersey, cotton and silk. My only frustration here is finding fabrics.

What colors are you partial to?

Black and off-white are my favorites. I like chocolate brown, deep purple, emerald green, turquoise and red, too. I use other colors when I’m in the mood for it.

Once you go black: The LBD is here to stay.

What type of woman do you envision wearing your gowns?

Women who are not afraid to be women.

What’s next for you?

I’m fixing the Yellow Door label and I’m adding bags with Bag-O-Plastic, an NGO based in Bacolod. I’m also currently working on a new collection for my fashion show this October at Opus.

What are your hopes for your lines?

For my couture line, I always aspire to be original and I hope I can inspire women to have their own style. For ready-to-wear, I see this line as a smart answer to every woman’s dilemma and I hope it will create an awareness about going green.