Marc Rancy: ‘A clockwork orange’

Designer Marc Rancy has been very busy indeed.

After launching a successful show at the Acacia Hotel, Marc just finished a capsule collection with Mercedes-Benz and Raffles Design Institute Manila. Recently, he was featured in ETC’s HQ and his bridal collection graced the pages of Wedding Essentials’ current issue.

Marc recognized early on in life that he had a flair for colors, lines and textures but he never thought that it would be his life’s passion. He knew that he would rather draw than listen during lectures and was most at peace having a piece of drawing material on hand, capturing the world’s images through his eyes. At 17, he designed the suit that he would wear for his graduation ball, where he ended up winning the “Best-Dressed Male” award.

In 2006, Marc found his calling when his high school friend asked him to design a gown for his sister’s prom. The family’s appreciation over his exquisite work fueled Marc’s love for fashion and sparked the idea of designing at a part-time basis, while he was still in college. Soon after, he began to acquire a sewing machine and an in-house sewer to execute his designs, while Marc purchased fabrics for his clients in the garage of their southern home. He was 19. A year later, encouraged by the influx of orders, Marc decided to be a full-time fashion designer and sought his family’s counsel. Then he met James Hohl, a New York-based American who was doing business in Manila. James, like his family, believed in Marc’s talent and decided that he would want to invest in his potential, too. Thus, LuxeWear International Inc. was born.

Marc shares, “The collection was inspired by Roman sun goddess. I was inspired to make a collection that is feminine with classic silhouettes. I added a sculptural detail that used silk organza to make the collection more modern and would highlight my technical skills as a designer. The eight-piece collection was made in a span of 15 days, in which I have personally cut and sewn — with assistance from my intern as all my staff members during that time were busy with client orders. The materials I used were mesh, silk chiffon, silk organza and custom embroidery. I make the patterns and designs of every lace, and my production team will realize them into finished embroidery.”

Photography by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada • Model: Jaque Borges • Art direction by Rem Divino • Production assistant: Kinny Andrada • Hair and makeup by Raz Rimor

(0906-3673269) • Gowns by Marc Rancy (0917-8690101; e-mail mrancy@luxewearintl.com or visit www.marcrancy.com.)