Herbert Custodio’s fashion accessories are taken from the most mundane pieces and find new life through the artist’s imagination. In 2004, Custodio worked as a fashion merchandiser for Louis Vuitton in Dubai. The job paid handsomely but Custodio needed a more creative outlet for his talent.
“I started out making accessories as a hobby. I would wear them during parties. Friends would notice. Eventually, I was being commissioned to do pieces for a few special events,” Custodio shares.
Custodio’s big break came in 2007 when he was asked by Cesar Gaupo to create some items for Gaupo’s Fashion Watch finale. “There was no turning back from then on,” Custodio shares. “In 2009, I joined Philippine Fashion Week twice and started selling my pieces in Makati. All in all, my foray into fashion has been a wonderful experience! My pieces are made with a lot of care and love. I do not concern myself with what other people think of them. I live by what Diana Vreeland said: ‘I don’t compete... I create... I do what others are not doing’.”
Herbert Custodio’s accessories may be found at FIRMA in Greenbelt 3.
Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Model: MARINA BENIPAYO • Herbert Custodio may be reached at 556-6104