Has 'Mega' found a designer worthy of the hype?

MANILA, Philippines - What makes for a good designer?

For 13 episodes, Mega magazine contrived to ferret out a workable candidate from a pool of young up-and-coming talents. The Mega Young Designers Competition, which recently took place in a reality TV format, has found fine winners in the past, including Gian Romano and Dubai-based designer Furne Amato, who recently collaborated on a David La Chapelle shoot featuring celebs like Katy Perry.

This season culminated in an action-packed finale, featuring all six finalists’ collections as well as previous winner Russell Villafuerte and former YDC alum Veejay Floresca, taking place at the NBC Tent which housed the fashion show slash party celebrating the magazine’s 20th anniversary.

The show opened with Renan Pacson, who sent out a collection that felt familiar. Lots of black pieces, definitively urban, with what felt like an excessive number of straps and gewgaws. Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple. There was potential in the work of Mara Chua, who later went on to win first runner up and best in show. Transparent vests in what appeared to be plastic were softened by sheer numbers, though the long gown appeared unwieldy.

A design by last year’s winner Russell Villafuerte

Judged by a panel comprised of magazine founder and editor in chief Sari Yap, designer Avel Bacudio, model Raya Mananquil, Mega publisher Meryll Yan and executive creative director Suki Salvador, the show sought to find someone talented  and able to last in the business.

“Although talent and a creative eye are very important, for me character trumps these two. A brilliant designer can go down because of a lack of professionalism,” Meryll Yan observes. “That is why, for YDC, we take the time to really get to know the contestants and really find the best overall package. Of course, as a publisher, I’m always looking for marketability, not just for the clothes but in the person of the designer.”

“Marketability was key when deciding on a winner,” Suki Salvador avers. “I was looking for a unique point of view, one that thinks about the Filipino woman and her behavior.”

Renan Pacson, who took home the title (along with prizes that included a cool hundred grand), fit the bill.

“Renan’s talent and professionalism are a winning formula,” Salvador adds. “Not only did he have a clear point of view, he managed to combine edge and sophistication successfully.”

Designs of YDC finalists Mara Chua and Robin Gundran

“He has that combination of forward thinking, professionalism and eloquence,” Yan asserts. “Of all the designers in the competition, he was the one who improved the most and, in the end, he outperformed even the early frontrunners.”

Sari Yap agrees. “Each ensemble is multi-layered and as each jacket, vest or belt comes off, another outfit with a different vibe but with the same sensibility is revealed,” she notes. But though his urban aesthetic appealed to many, she wishes there was more drama.

“It is a pity that the models did not peel off the layers. Doing so would have increased the audience impact. An ensemble that transforms into another outfit that is functional, well-made and interesting from every angle is quite a feat for a young designer.”

Though an amplified performance would’ve stolen the show, professionalism is still the object of the game. Even Yap finds that, while creativity will always grab attention, competence will win you the game. Though some are lucky enough to have some of both.

“Renan is intelligent, articulate and unafraid to experiment with construction,” Yap says. “He was also the first to finish his collection, three days before the final runway show.”

Veejay Floresca’s capsule collection