CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano couturier Aldwin Ornopia Guardiana joins the “uprising” that’sbeen sweeping the Arab world.
This BS Physical Therapy graduate of the Southwestern University is rising up to the challenge of creating either classic or modern habiliments to continually wrap the woman-clientele with confidence and elegance despite the turmoil that’s sending shockwaves reverberating throughout the Middle East.
“My creations - both severe and lax – sustain the impressive fashion sense of Arab women through essential details full of unlimited possibilities in the creation of fabrics, embroideries and accessories,” said this 28-year-old resident of Danao City, Cebu.
This clothing fashion-involved body shared that in the Middle East “works on dresses focus more on embellishment” since they cater mostly to the local Arab clientele.”
“Clients have a penchant for imported fabric like pure silk organza, tulle, silk chiffon, and the demand is more on embroidery and heavy crystal works -Swarovski specifically,” he stressed.
As for styling, Guardiana said that his interest in life events has helped stimulate his imagination because great ideas are being inserted into the manner he designs the clothes produced by several images and impressions.
“I draw from my environment. I am inspired by the world. Every visual being imparted into me strikes a string in me and thus, it influences my work,” he explained. “Thus, expresses my creativity through clothes. It makes me feel and move freely. I can follow my personal instinct without being limited by fixed rules.”
Guardiana recalled that he started designing as a hobby when he was in high school. “I had my teacher as my first client who had greatly helped me develop my talent.”
“I started making dresses for promenades, as well as evening and party dresses, eventually moving on to wedding dresses and for the whole entourage.”
According to him, he realized that despite a degree in the allied medical sciences his heart directed him to pursue his one love for fashion.
“Fashion is really my passion. Although I’ve never been in a formal institute or design school, my experience and innovation coupled with diligence and the willingness to learn and practice everyday have somehow led me to a winning move,” Guardiana further said.
“I, sort of, invaded Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) in September 2005. Currently, I am working for Art Fashion as an in-house designer. It has always been my aim to keep a woman feminine, romantic, and to make that confidence and magic in her exude all the more.”
Modesty aside, Guardiana is on top of 86 workers (mostly Pakistanis and Indians; a few Bangladeshis and four Filipina cutters and finishers) for that line who he describes to be “very good in haute couture dresses and embroidery works that’s culturally intrinsic.” (FREEMAN)