L’enfant terrible

Paolo Raymundo is l’enfant terrible of Philippine fashion. Born and raised in New York City, he is, at 22, the next important designer to watch. As Fashion Design Council president Randy Ortiz notes, "Paolo is very promising. His clothes are young, fresh, interesting and edgy."

This self-taught designer, who once dreamed of becoming an Egyptologist, goes to flea markets for materials and pieces. Paolo’s flair for vintage shopping, his knack for the unusual and obscure, and of putting things together, are indications of an eclectic personal style. Thus, it was but natural for him to be a designer because of his interest and inclinations.

Last May, Paolo showcased his first major men’s wear collection at The Fort. He has five works to his credit but it was his one-man gala that jolted Philippine Fashion from its state of equilibrium. As internationally acclaimed fashion designer Joji Lloren states, "Paolo will definitely change local men’s fashion in Manila. No only because of his designs but because men would wear them."

The unusual pastiche of his collection is a take-off from various sources: survivor gear gets mixed up with gangsta mimes; richy-rich meets mister T; and the concept based on the joker. Paolo Raymundo’s fashion narrative has backstories to tell. The old are young again and the young are happy with the old.

"I want to recycle old materials or… traditional clothing with new techniques and technology," says Paolo. He starts writing down his ideas, "percolates" them before going into the actual sewing. His process includes deconstructing objects (like using seatbelts from airplanes) and familiar things that he deliberately changes to come up with one-of-a-kind pieces which reflect his knack for pattern experimentation and patchwork aesthetic.

Paolo’s works are hard to miss. Top designer Vic Barba states, "Paolo is a very brave designer who is what we need to push fashion forward." Likewise, FHM Style editor Amador Madamba believes, "He is very creative and looks at men’s fashion in a fresh new light."

Paolo’s affiliation with fashion also includes photography. His photos have appeared in top glossies and broadsheets. He was recently nominated Most Promising Young Designer at the First Mega Roehr Fashion Awards. He is part of Tyler’s (ultra hip shop) design team. His clothes are worn by a wide range of clientele which includes celebrities, fashionistas and society’s "it" list. Plus, he is part of THNGK, a styling team composed of Shani Tan and his sister Rina.

Paolo will soon leave for New York, probably to search for new and old objects, to continue his vision for his designs and do more experiments in fabric. Behind the curtain of fashion, what is important to him, he says, is "Knowing that my clothes will have sentimental value–that is what matters most."

The future is filled with hope for a Filipino to make a mark in the world of men’s wear fashion and Paolo Raymundo is definitely the name to watch!