Certainly original is the Mega Young Design winner

After last week’s debacle involving a retagged wedding suit maliciously seeped through the blogosphere and, it was apparent that the local fashion industry badly needed a boost, something positive to latch on to. This was top of mind during the Mega Young Design Competition last Wednesday at Republiq Club especially since it came as the finale to the first season of Gen M: Generation Mega, the TV show produced by the magazine mainly to document the chutzpah of design competition challenges.

The competition, which started in 1994, has an esteemable track record of winners and finalists, including Furne One, Ivar Aseron, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Rajo Laurel, Gian Romano, Mich Dulce and Michi Calica-Sotto. Backed up by Mega’s reputation, the proclamation of new talent would serve as a great foil to the sad stories that have been plaguing local fashion.

The winning design by Russell Villafuerte, a 26-year-old graphic designer from Antique

This year’s winner is Russell Villafuerte, a 26-year-old graphic designer from Antique who turned to fashion design when he joined the second season of the now-defunct Project Runway Philippines. He emerged second in the competition, which declared Manny Marquez (who has disappeared into post-win oblivion) as the winner. For the competition finale, which worked with the theme “Fashion DNA,” Villafuerte stuck to the signature he started promoting in Project Runway and has since advertised in shows for Fashion Week: a melange of bold, colorful patterns on stiff structures.

Villafuerte’s win came something of a surprise. If you were judging on the basis of aesthetics and construction, his production was not the only standout. Of the eight finalists, it was first runner up Jearson Demavivas’ collection, which combined tribal fabric with modern silhouettes and seamless execution that seemed the most trophy-worthy. So were the judges, composed of Mega editor-in-chief Sari Yap, host and fashion icon Tim Yap, columnist Tessa Valdes, stylist Jenni Epperson, designer Avel Bacudio, model Raya Mananquil and beauty retailer Cristalle Henares unanimous in their decision?

Christine Lam, third runner-up, Patricia Santos, finalist,Santi Obcena, finalist,Vorge Cunanan, finalist and Aaron Quitoles, finalist

As editor in chief Sari Yap explained, after the awarding of third, second and first runner up honors and right before announcing the competition’s grand winner, Mega wanted a champ with an attitude that would enable him or her to last many years in the industry. Someone who had the drive, determination and disposition to make it big. In an industry with quick turnovers and even quicker mouths, what’s needed is a team player. Mega wants someone who will generate great PR, not just anyone who can sew clothes well.

And Villafuerte, with his sunny temperament, endearing personality quirks, friendly rapport oncam — and probably off as well — and competition record fit into the mold. So maybe his fabric choices and silhouettes need a bit of work. Maybe his execution isn’t that perfect. But then, so many fashion designers in the country have made a name on a lot less than what Villafuerte has; more than a pleasing attitude, the young “fashion rebel” has good ideas: a mix of 21st century biker and ‘90s underground rave. In an industry already inundated with jersey and red carpet finery, his synthetic leather and graphic-printed ensembles certainly look original. And photogenic.

Mega editor in chief Sari Yap (center) with the eight Mega Young Designers Competition 2011 finalists (from left) Vorge Cunanan, Santi Obcena (seated), first runner-up Jearson Demavivas, Patricia Santos, YDC 2011 winner Russell Villafuerte, Aaron Quitoles (seated), third runner-up Christine Lam and second runner-up Aram Loe Zarate

So Villafuerte walked down the makeshift catwalk in Republiq, armed with a bouquet and Mulawin Abueva trophy, half a million worth of prizes richer. He threw a fist pump into the air to match his unabashed ear-to-ear smile, before breaking down in tears, underneath blinding lights, an action that will probably mark the first of many that will endear him to the public. 

Jearson Demavivas, first runner-up and Aram Loe Zarate, second runner-up