Cesar Gaupo: In a Majayjay state of mind

All it took was the mention of guitars and, just like the fresh, natural waters from Maimpis river in Majayjay, ideas and inspirations flowed abundantly from Cesar Gaupo’s mind for his finale show at Philippine Fashion Week.

It took only three weeks for Cesar to sketch and execute the 37-piece Majayjay-inspired collection, but after getting a preview of the clothes for the photo shoot, there was nothing rushed about the collection. Cesar Gaupo neither planned this show, nor did he have a clue as to what fashion director Ariel Lozada and Philippine Fashion Week organizer Joey Espino had in mind for the finale, but Cesar is convinced that this show is all part of God’s master plan for his life, just like Majayjay.

He calls Majayjay a resort because of its bountiful natural resources, but it really is a private sanctuary, his little piece of heaven-on-earth to retreat to, when the urban jungle of Manila becomes overwhelming. He’s been working on this project for several years now and is involved in every aspect of the design and construction, including relocating massive boulders that have been part of the landscape even before he bought the property. He is taking his time to finish despite numerous calls from various publications wanting to land the first feature on Majayjay.

“I derive so much joy from the process so I am not setting any timetable to complete the project,” Cesar says.

For Philippine STAR, Cesar shared photos of the early design stages and what I saw captures who and what Cesar Gaupo is now: calm and at peace, inspired, full of beauty and energy and simply blessed.

Purple haze: One-shoulder silk chiffon with black stretch pants

Cesar holds a special place in my heart because he was one of the first designers I worked with; in the 25 or so years I have known him, he’s always been very professional and exacting in his craft yet considerate and a pleasure to work with.

Today, he doesn’t look like he’s aged one bit, he still laughs with abandon like a child and is known to have a generous heart. When I got married, I only had one designer in mind to make my wedding gown: him. Despite having only seen my dress on paper and having had just one fitting before my wedding day, I had complete trust in him. My wedding dress was the talk of the town in Italy for many months afterwards.

During the photo shoot, I quizzed Grace Tagle, his current muse, and makeup artist Patrick Rosas to describe Cesar: “He always makes me feel at ease,” Grace says. “He’s very funny but is very passionate about his work, too.”

Patrick, his friend, mulls it over, raises one eyebrow and says, “Hmmm…” Then we laugh! “Kidding aside, Cesar is cool, real, and forever ageless,” he says.

Judging by these remarks and his enduring friendship with contemporaries like Lulu Tan-Gan and Mike Dela Rosa, many would undoubtedly agree.

The future holds many exciting prospects for Cesar, including an interior design project and a fashion venture with principals from Milan and Barcelona, all inspired by his Majayjay state of mind … and heart.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: I was surprised to see your name at Philippine Fashion Week — the finale show, at that. What prompted your decision to participate?

CESAR GAUPO: The idea of doing Philippine Fashion Week never really crossed my mind, but Ariel Lozada called and wanted to meet up. Since we make chika every time he comes back from a trip, I didn’t think anything of it until Joey Espino came to join us; I knew then something was up. They asked if I could do the finale show for the weeklong fashion event; my initial reaction was, “No, no, no!” But then Ariel went on to explain the production design, how important it was to him and how he created it with me in mind. After further discussion, I saw their vision, became excited and agreed.

Why Majayjay? You travel a lot and are very creative. What was it about Majayjay that inspired you?

For me, Majayjay is a true joy and a paradise — serene, cool, and a place for nature lovers. When I transformed all those images and concepts into a collection, the result was an exotic, romantic, and fresh series of women’s clothing.

So would you say that this is your favorite out of all the collections you’ve made in your entire career?

I have no favorites, although this collection is special to me because it represents who I am and where I am in my life right now. I believe better collections are yet to happen.

I remember one of my first shows was for you at La Concha of the then Hyatt Regency Manila in 1982. What was your first show?

You think I can remember that? (Laughs) I believe, just like you, my first solo show was at La Concha, an SM Boutique luncheon show in the ’70s.

Who were your fashion mentors?

Salvacion “Slim” Higgins and Aureo “Tatang” Alonzo.

Designers are known for their trademark look. What is distinctively Cesar Gaupo?

As you can see with this collection, I love draping using soft, flowing fabrics. They are very feminine and when applied properly can spell the difference between a beautiful dress and a standout creation.

You’ve got a successful clothing line and shoe brand. Is it true you’ll also be coming up with your own line of accessories?

Yes! I am partnering with Shoemart for a luxe designer accessory line called Gaupo for WWW (What Women Want). It will be launched in January 2011.

To what do you attribute the longevity of your business partnership with SM?

A relationship born out of mutual respect — they see the love I have for the work that I do and they have been very supportive of that, even if I only design for the SM Makati boutique now.

Do you enjoy designing the same way you did when you first started?

Definitely! There’s still a lot more to learn and experience in design.

Have you ever thought of giving up designing at any point in your life?

Never. Designing is a gift that I treasure, enjoy and am grateful for.

How much longer do you think you’ll be designing for?

Only God knows!

Many people were surprised when you decided to move to Hong Kong in 2001 and work with Shanghai Tang. Why did you do that?

I had offers to work overseas as a designer prior to Shanghai Tang, but Shanghai Tang felt like the right fit in my life at that time. That experience was part of my journey; God’s will working in my life. In 2004, I decided to come back to Manila and move forward on my own despite Shanghai Tang’s offer to renew my contract.

I know you have developed a deeper relationship with God. What happened to make you reevaluate your faith?

I had a long-term relationship that deteriorated. There was a hateful incident that resulted in a falling out, which eventually led to a breakup. After some time, that person came back into my life and shared the word of God with me. I had a revelation and from that moment in 1994, God became an important part of my life.

How did your family and friends in the fashion industry take the change?

(Long sigh) They just couldn’t believe what happened! They didn’t understand the lifestyle changes I made, like no more late nights out to bars and no more seeking relationships with other men. In my heart, I wasn’t enjoying these things anymore, hindi ko na hinahanap (I wasn’t looking for it). Over time, they came to accept and respect my choices. Now they know when it’s 10 p.m., I am ready to go home!

What type of women are your clients?

Most of my clients are women who are independent and know how to live luxuriously! They bring their daughters with them, who in turn become my clients. I have a low-key client with a lithe, model-like figure who usually buys my entire collection in one go right after the show.

Hold the mustard: Ruffled shorts/dress under blouson draped neck in georgette chiffon

What is the first question a new client asks you and what is your response?

“How much do you charge?” To which I respond, depends on what you are having made. I then proceed to explain the quality and service they will receive, how I will create clothes that will suit their lifestyle and personality … that puts the issue of cost aside.

If you could dress three famous international personalities, who would they be and why?

At the moment, I can only think of one international personality I would like to dress and that’s Nicole Kidman. She is someone you cannot label or categorize; she’s a fashion chameleon, her personality and image always change.

Is there something else you would like to do that you haven’t done yet?

I don’t think I can do it, but I would like to become a pilot! (Laughs)

What makes you happy? What makes you laugh these days?

Everything — trials, problems, my relationships with other people. When bad becomes good, I laugh.

Many people are under the impression that born-again Christians don’t get mad. Do you still get angry?

Of course, that’s something I can’t avoid! The beauty about my situation right now is I am quick to realize it and I always apologize, otherwise I won’t be able to sleep at night.

What trait do you treasure most in those closest to you?

Truthfulness … telling me the truth even if it hurts.

What are the challenges that the fashion industry continues to face today?

Marketing, whether you’re an established designer, respected brand or new face in the industry. Back in our time, it was easier to make a name for oneself because there were fewer designers and a smaller market. Today, you have to compete with many others. You really have to market yourself and define your fashion style, get your name out there and make a mark. Designers come and go. What I would like to see is more international exposure and recognition for our young designers. There is so much Filipino talent out there.

Who is Cesar Gaupo, the person and designer, in three words?

One word is all I need: Content.

A Fitting Finale To Philippine Fashion Week

Breathless is how I felt from the moment the first model came walking down the runway. As always, Cesar Gaupo did not disappoint. The soulful guitar music reminiscent of his childhood in the province provided the perfect audio accompaniment to the impeccably finished, masterfully executed and beautifully designed clothes that left me wanting to see more. It was simply an aesthetically moving experience.

Cesar’s basic sense of style was evident in this collection, but his take was fresh, young and current, in tune with every modern woman’s fashion needs and wants. His color palette was seductive, his silhouettes were flattering and the varying lengths of dresses and pants were alternately playful, chic, elegant, feminine, classic, whimsical and sexy. I can see Nicole Kidman wearing any one of these outfits to her red-carpet events.

A larger-than-life, flamboyant lifestyle and schmoozing are often associated (albeit mistakenly) with a successful design career, but Cesar Gaupo defies conventional wisdom; in his unassuming manner, he is a master of his craft and a man bursting with talent.