It takes two to tandem
MANILA, Philippines - We paired eight of Manila's young and in demand designers and threw them a challenge: Create a collaborative work of art that marries their unique styles and aesthetics. The results: Four one-of-a-kind pieces you won't see anywhere else.
Photos by PAOLO PINEDA, Produced by DAVID MILAN, Makeup by APPLE FARAON of MAC, Hair by JOHN DEL RIO of Jing Monis Salon, Modeled by VALERIE WEIGMANN
Shot on location at Gramercy Residences
Martin Bautista x Gian Romano
Given that you both have distinct styles, how did you two decide and agree on a design?
We might have different aesthetics but we think we have the same taste in fashion and the same eye for quality. We know if it’s a good or bad dress.
How was it like working with each other? What was the best part about this project?
We both came up with a total of six sketches and then we tried to incorporate our own aesthetics by infusing our distinct elements. The best part about it? We were both able to hang out and catch up on what’s going on in our lives. (Laughs)
How can you best describe your collaboration dress/look?
Sensual with a little bit of femininity, yet very strong and commanding. Like a wave crashing into a seawall.
Jot Losa x Anthony Ramirez
Given that you both have distinct styles, how did you two decide and agree on a design?
One leans towards the classics while the other is sexy. Regardless of our distinct looks, both our aesthetics are very feminine. We agreed to combine the three ideas to create a unified look. We chose a color that we both love, black. We combined sexy cuts with a feminine treatment.
How was it like working with each other? What was the best part about this project?
We’re both really good friends to start with, but we never got to do a collaboration until this. Working with each other was fun because of the long talks and laughs we got in between brainstorming. That made this project light and easy. We think it’s easy to work with a co-designer if you know each other’s style. The best part about it is understanding what each has to offer and compromising on the difference to come up with a masterpiece.
How can you best describe your collaboration dress/look?
Sexy but dignified. We think both our personal styles suit today’s young and modern women. It was interesting to see something sexy injected with a feminine touch.
Xernan Orticio x Veejay Floresca
Given that you both have distinct styles, how did you two decide and agree on a design?
We both had a sporty look in mind as seen in our spring/summer 2014 collections. We decided to go with a luxe sporty kind of ensemble. We both have a contemporary style and we admire each other for that modern aesthetic.
How was it like working with each other? What was the best part about this project?
The best part would be realizing that we both have the same look in mind for this collaboration, and that, given that we have different styles and aesthetics, we were able to adapt to create a look with both of our DNA stamped on it. We chose red because it evokes femininity and power. Working with each other was fun and easy. We did our best to be professional and creative with this project.
How can you best describe your collaboration dress/look?
We would describe our collaborative work as something sporty with an evening kind of luxe to it. It’s a true marriage of two different aesthetics. The look is modern, fresh and perfect for a woman today. There’s a balance of art and wearability to it.
Proudrace x Vania Romoff
Given that you both have distinct styles, how did you two decide and agree on a design?
From the beginning, we both already knew what our girl would look like. It’s both our distinct aesthetics in one look. We decided on a look with a singular color so it was easier to come up with something cohesive. We exchanged a few messages, sketched out two different looks and decided which one went best with the piece. It took us less than 30 minutes to finalize everything. One is very uptown lady and the other is very street. It was very interesting to see how two very different aesthetics combined would turn out.
How was it like working with each other? What was the best part about this project?
It was easy working with each other. We both knew from the beginning what we want. It’s amazing how you get to know how another designer works.
How can you best describe your collaboration dress/look?
Unisexy, as we describe it. It’s very street chic, to be exact. A pussy-bow blouse in a sheer fabric, a Sherlock Holmes-esque cape, and then track pants with a tied-on-the-waist sweater — all in vibrant fiery red! We think we did a pretty decent job at putting two and two together.
