MANILA, Philippines - A shot of adrenaline to the heart, and in goes new blood. Design Surge 2014, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s annual graduation show, pulsed with equal parts earnestness and a changing attitude towards design—these kids have set their eyes on ready-to-wear.
Eschewing the mindset of custom-made and swerving from the bridal track, some of the show’s participants were out to offer an alternative to everyday clothing that’s decidedly now, without having to compromise their aesthetic (if anything, it enhances it). From producing their own prints to experimenting with fabric and finish to challenging the silhouettes of the city’s status quo, Young Star picks seven of CSB’s most promising fresh grads. Meet the future players in local design. —Karen Bolilia
The best from fashion’s freshest.
Meet the future players in local design.
Aaron Galanza
Three key words to describe your aesthetic as a designer:
Sexy, appealing, and provocative
At what point did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
I’ve always wanted to design ever since I was little. I took different art classes and drawing classes back when I was in high school. It was before college that I decided to focus all my passion into fashion, when I found out that I passed in different programs from different universities but still felt strongly about pursuing a career in the fashion industry.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Hopefully in five years, I would be working as a designer or creative director under a very well established brand that can relate to my aesthetics as an artist.
Zara Dalaywon
Three key words to describe your aesthetic as a designer:
Innovative, conceptual, and laid-back
What is your favorite piece from your collection?
Nothing specific, since all of them are well-thought out individually.
At what point did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
It was a long and hard way before I wholeheartedly accepted partaking in a specific career in the fashion industry. Back when I was in high school, I planned to take either Architecture or Med in UST.
Our menswear design subject made me realize that I wanted to become a menswear designer. That time, it gave me the drive to design and create clothes that I can relate with myself: comfort without sacrificing style.
Gelo Fernandez
Three key words to describe your aesthetic as a designer:
Androgynous, unconventional, and versatile
At what point did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
I’ve always found fashion interesting, but when I started watching America’s Next Top Model (cycle 9) in 2008, my interest deepened, which made me pursue fashion as a course.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself as a successful stylist working at a prestigious magazine.
Lorenz Namalata
Three key words to describe your aesthetic as a designer:
Fun, young, fresh
What is your favorite piece from your collection?
The “I Hate Your Clique†hoodie ‘cause it makes a strong statement, which is important for me.
How much of your personal style overlaps with your designs, if at all?
It’s always if I see myself wearing it. I’m the type who doesn’t produce clothes I wouldn’t wear myself and that’s why I’m slowly transitioning to RTW because I don’t see myself creating clothes for clients that won’t be in line with my personal style/taste.
I always do my own take on everything I make and that’s why I don’t copy when there are pegs. I always make sure to elevate it and make it my own.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I’d be 26 by then and I hope to be a creative director of a brand and/or my own for Fifth Code. I really want a store for Fifth Code. I’m not saying that would exist in the next five years but that’s definitely the goal!
Anne Siochi
Three key words to describe your aesthetic as a designer:
Minimalist, laid-back, edgy
At what point did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
Before taking up this course, my vision of being in the creative field was not at all that concrete. But while I was in the difficult process of creating my graduation collection, I became certain at what I really want to do.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Probably working for a brand here and there, and maybe even doing some collaborations.
Esme Palaganas
Three key words to describe your aesthetic as a designer:
Versatile, practical, experimental (a teeny bit!)
What is your favorite piece from your collection?
I love the paneled maxi skirt [look] just because I think Lily Allen would look really good in it. Plus I can think of endless ways to dress it up.
At what point did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
I loved photography first. But then I was taking photography classes in high school and I noticed that I was a lot more interested in what the model was wearing than taking the actual image. That led me to take design classes the following year. The very same year, I took business management as my elective and that experience made me realize that I want to be a designer who designs for all. I just wanted everyone to understand, wear, and love fashion the same way I do.
Verna Tan
Three key words to describe your aesthetic as a designer:
Asian-inspired, trendy, wearable
At what point did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
Watching FTV when I was around 12 years old. It was always the channel on for me and I would try to draw my own styles, etc.
How much of your personal style overlaps with your designs, if at all?
It’s a huge part, I’m really into Asian history and culture. When I make my own designs I make sure that if it was me I’d really love to wear that.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Studying in Bunka Academy in Japan or maybe traveling while working.
Photos by KOJI ARBOLEDA, Modeled by MAAN MARQUEZ of PMAP and NINO ATILANO,Shot on location at City Club Makati, 7232 Ayala Avenue Ext. Makati City