Sassa Jimenez gives her own spin on the '80s

At 22 years old, Sassa Jimenez is too young to remember the ‘80s, which is probably a good thing. The excessive fashion and synthesized disco music of the ‘80s were inspirations for the budding designer’s new collection in the upcoming Philippine Fashion Week and if you’re expecting loud leggings, inverted trapezoid shoulders, an overload of studs and the shredded tops that have been piling up in every trendy superstore from H&M to Forever 21, then you’re in for a letdown — or maybe a pleasant surprise.

Moving away from the soft, ultra-feminine pieces that made up her repertoire last season, Jimenez flexes some design muscle and whips up a collection that may be muted palette-wise but is definitely extravagant in style and silhouette. The bold shoulders of the ‘80s are there but instead of relying on shoulder pads, Jimenez gives her jackets her own take on the Juliet and balloon sleeve with drapes cascading down the arm. Body-skimming dresses are also on her platter, fashioned from metallic gray stretch fabric and detailed with intricate cutouts. Jimenez also has peplum dresses in flattering jersey, as well as intricate halter styles. No tulle ballerina skirts or tie-up leather pants, just elegant harem pants. No fuchsia or other blinding neons, just a palatable turquoise blue. With this new collection, the alum of LA’s Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising has created a wardrobe not for the punk-pop ingénue that pervaded the ‘80s but rather the style-savvy, confident woman of present day.

In a brief interview, Sassa Jimenez shares more insights on the decadent decade she nearly missed but didn’t forget.

What started your interest in fashion design?

I was always interested in art since I was a child, but I started to get into fashion a lot more during my junior year in high school. I designed my own prom dress and graduation ball dress. I never fully got into fashion design until I was in college and I decided to go to fashion school.

What was the very first fashion piece/ collection that amazed you?

My mother’s closet always amazed me. It was like one giant collection.

Who are the designers you admire?

Locally, Lulu Tan Gan, Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Tippi Ocampo and Veejay Floresca. Of the foreign designers, I really love Alexander McQueen, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs.

What was the first fashion piece you created and sold?

The very first fashion piece I created was my cousin Tracy’s wedding dress. It was very flattering because she entrusted the most important dress of her life to me!

What’s your frustration as a fashion designer?

It’s hard to shop nowadays. I over-think each piece because I analyze how it’s made, what materials were used, etc. I always think to myself, “Why can’t I just pick something nice and buy it already?”

There are so many young designers in the industry now. What is your edge?

My approach to design is solely focused on how women of today dress. I try not to overpower a woman’s personality by creating something totally out of the box but I don’t hold back and try to make the wearer look unpolished either. Each piece is crafted to make a woman feel good about herself and make her more confident to try new things when it comes to fashion.

Your collection is inspired by the ‘80s. How do you put your own mark on this era?

The ‘80s was a very exciting time in fashion. It was a time when music and the club scene were thriving and that’s something that still stands strong today. I want to show clothes that are inspired by the past but don’t look like they stepped out of an old music video. I created everything so that it will remain relevant even in the year 2080.

Which ‘80s icons would probably wear your designs?

Blondie and Madonna.

What’s your favorite ‘80s staple?

Leg warmers, Wayfarers and tube tops!

What do you remember most about being a child in the ‘80s?

I have a very vague visual of the ‘80s but what I remember most are the songs!

Favorite disco song/artist from that era?

I love the songs of Michael Jackson and Madonna. I also love Hall and Oates, Ambrosia, Blondie, Cyndi Lauper and Suzanne Vega. I’m an old soul when it comes to music.

Most people have bad memories about trying to be fashionable in the ‘80s. What’s your horror story?

I was probably only three to four years old during the last years of the ‘80s. I wasn’t wearing anything bad; I think my mom had good taste when it came to dressing me up.

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