Jojie Lloren: Master of light

MANILA, Philippines - Menswear is relatively new territory for the well-known designer. “I consider this a ‘riding the wind’ experience,” Lloren comments. “Hence, the title of the collection, ‘Riding the Wind.’ Whether it’s the wind that rides me or I ride the wind, I don’t know.” 

Lloren’s collection takes on the theme on more than one level. “I want some of the pieces to catch the wind and balloon at the back.  I want them to evoke airiness and lightness.”

He was more than successful, with a striking opening number that stole the show during the Men’s Week Gala over a month ago at Greenbelt 5. Working with linen shirting and suiting fabrics, cotton voile and tweeds, he constructed silhouettes that aimed for nonchalance but was far from insubstantial with loose and slouchy shirts with flaring backs and baggy pants.

“I like the Scandinavian sensibilities in his collection,” fashion show director Ariel Lozada tells YStyle. “Now long and lean, and also wide in shape.”

Influenced by “women’s wear details like the bow collar, the trapeze, riding jackets, morning coats and Beau Brummell,” Lloren mastered a lightness of shape that manages to convey a relaxed yet upright bearing. 

For the coming season, he proposed raglan sleeves, curved plackets, short-front shirts, long tent backs, voile trench coats for tropical use and asymmetrical collars. His goal? “That it be wearable, comfortable, simple and a bit different,” he says, “pieces that women could also wear.”

Jojie Lloren envisioned the collection for “a straight man who is very secure of his masculinity; straight and gay men, straight and gay women.” He was aiming for a look that is “wearable, comfortable, simple and a bit different.”