Giving thanks for their guidance

To celebrate Thanksgiving, YStyle asked four popular young designers to nominate a designer who played mentor during their young(er) years.

Gian Romano

MANILA, Philippines - What are you grateful for today?

I’m grateful for everything that came and is coming my way.

What are the greatest challenges of a young designer?

Proving your point of view and it being accepted.

To what or whom do you credit your success today?

If it’s what people call success then it’s because of the people who stood by me and believed in my craft.

What role did your mentor play in your story?

Jojie has always been an inspiration for me. I never saw him as just a designer but as a craftsman. I’ve always appreciated that in him.

What lesson would you like to pass on to a future protege?

To find themselves and stick with their guts  and while they’re at it, perfect their craft and and get their hands dirty.

Maureen Disini

What are you grateful for today?

In a short span of 15 months, I’ve  carved out a name for myself and have managed to develop a growing clientele ranging from ages one to 90. I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement I get from my close friends and peers in the industry.

What are the greatest challenges of a young designer?

Every day is a challenge for a new designer like me. The industry is quite demanding and I am trying to find the perfect balance between creativity and handling the business side of fashion.  Now that I have more people under me, my leadership skills have been put to the test.

To what or whom do you credit your success today?

Two people (who have big hearts) play a pivotal role in my journey as a designer. I’d like to thank my father for his generosity — sending me to three design schools in Europe and lending me some seed money to start my label. I’d also like to thank Jun Escario for his gift of friendship. I would not have the confidence to start a label if he had not pushed me to go on my own.

What role did your mentor play in your story?

I owe a lot of my sweet success to Jun Escario. He has shared many invaluable experiences that I could learn from. I will always admire his high level of humility.

What lesson would you like to pass on to a future protege?

I would say there is no shortcut to success. Hard work and talent are prerequisites (added with a little bit of luck to the equation, of course). It would be best to undergo formal training and acquire new skills. Go mine experiences. Have a strong foundation and it will lead you to numerous opportunities.

Francis Libiran

What are you grateful for today?

Being where I am right now.

What are the greatest challenges of a young designer?

Finding your own identity as a designer.

To what or whom do you credit your success today?

Support of my family and friends, and my pug Hailey.

What role did your mentor play in your story?

Rajo gives me guidance and support. He is always there for me.

What lesson would you like to pass on to a future protege?

Work hard and stay focused.

Martin Bautista

What are you grateful for today?
Having the freedom to express myself and being able to do what I the love the most.

What are the greatest challenges of a young designer?


Finding the right balance between creative thinking and at the same time the profitability to achieve commercial success.

To what or whom do you credit your success today?


My parents for raising me well, teaching me good values, giving me the 100 percent freedom to do what I want and let me be who I want to be.

What role did your mentor play in your story?

I consider him my “Fashion Father.” We almost have the same aesthetics and we share the same vision so he really is the right person who can give me the best advice and I’m very lucky that I can count on someone who I respect and admire so much.

What lesson would you like to pass on to a future protege?


Never forget to enjoy what you are doing and why you are doing this job. You can get caught up in this industry where people are always judging and pressure is always high. Just live your dream.

Photos by JO ANN BITAGCOL

Makeup by Sharon Soledad and Anthea Louise Bueno

                of Shu Uemura

Hair by BEA MISA of Kiehl’s and Kim Diolata of Bench Fix