Leo roars Down Under

Filipino Leonardo Salinas made waves when he showcased his collection during Australian Fashion Week. He describes his collection as “Joan of Arc meets Jessica Rabbit” and hopes someday to incorporate Philippine-made materials into his collection.

I’ve always been fascinated by Australia. The Land Down Under is full of mystery to me. Although the country is known for its beaches, Sydney Harbor, the kangaroo, koala, the famous Opera House and Sass and Bide, there is something about Australia that attracts me.

Now thanks to the opportunities, more Filipinos are migrating there. One of them is Leonardo Salinas, who made headlines when he showcased his collection during Australian Fashion Week.

In a phone interview and later through e-mail, Leo (as he’s called) shares his beginnings in the industry, how different Australian style is and what he misses most about the Philippines.

The Beginning...

Born in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Leo originally took a business course at the Far Eastern University before moving to Sydney in the ‘90s with his family. It was in Sydney where he pursued his dreams of being a designer by enrolling at the White House School of Design, graduating in 1998.

After graduation, he worked as a fashion assistant and patternmaker for designers while doing clothes for some clients.

Now that he has his own collection, how would he describe the person that wears his clothes?

“The women who would wear my clothes are stylish, discerning, individualist and confident,” Leo tells me.

The Australian Debut

 Leo’s collection recently debuted at the Australian Fashion Week and  since Australia is just beginning to market itself as a fashion capital, I had to ask, how different was Fashion Week there compared to those in Paris or New York?

“It’s small compared to New York or Paris. Paris is trendy. It’s (Australian Fashion Week) a stepping stone,” he says.

With regards to the Australian way of dressing, Leo says, “Australian style is laid-back but it is now becoming a bit more brand oriented and fashion savvy, very much in tune with current trends.”

Is there anything Filipino that he incorporates in his designs?

“Sometimes I incorporate Filipino essences with my silhouette and thinking. At this stage, no Philippine material has been incorporated but in future collections, this would become part of the essence of a collection,” he says.

His collection, which he describes as “Joan of Arc meets Jessica Rabbit,” soon got the attention of ANC Balitang Australia, a news show of ABS-CBN. “The interview definitely gave me an additional impetus in the overseas markets. The international and domestic press coverage especially in the Philippines was integral in obtaining interest from your local market,” he says.

He cites Rudy Gernreich as his favorite designer and would like to dress up actress Natalie Portman and burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese.

Missing Home...

Although he is slowly carving a name in the Australian fashion industry, Leo admits to missing the Philippines. What does he miss?

“There are many things but foremost, family especially my mum and sisters, friends and the local food,” he says.

“Yes we have had interest in the collection being sold in the Filipino market and in the future would like to open a boutique in Manila,” Leo says about his plans of marketing his designs in the country.

Are there any opportunities for Filipino designers to make it in the Australian fashion industry?

“Yes very much so,” he says.

And as for his advice to aspiring designers, Leo says, “Ît is 99 percent talent and 199 percent hard work and 1 percent being fabulous.”

And without a doubt we have not heard the last of Leo’s roaring success. New York, Paris here he comes.

(Special thanks to Peter Bartle and Line Communications. Photos courtesy of Leonardo Salinas and Peter Bartle. Visit leonardosalinas.com.au)