The unveiling of Vanessa Ang

NEW YORK — Sitting on my desk is a sewing machine — a gift or hand-me-down from my friend Vanessa, who graciously gave it to me after she graduated from Parsons School of Design. She had decided to come home to Manila early this January to start her design career. She had also been accepted as a finalist to the Mega Young Designers Competition and was getting ready to prepare her collection.

When she first broke the news to me, I knew deep in my heart she was going to win. I didn’t know who the other finalists were, but I just had great faith that Vanessa, shy and soft-spoken as she is, had the talent, taste, tenacity, and focused attitude towards fashion that would definitely reflect in her designs.

Actually, I had never seen any of her work previous to the competition. But from knowing her alone, it was easy to tell that besides being creative and well-informed, she has a contemplative manner of thought, speech and of course, style.

Every time we meet, we have interesting conversations about the news and issues we read about — be it fashion, business or current events. Plus, she always is a delight to look at, as she always looks so chic with excellent taste in clothing and accessories — in a trendy degradé coat from Zara, a luxe YSL Tribute Tote, a classic Burberry check scarf or an architectural Eamz Pump from United Nude.

So when news of her victory reached me — not from her as expected, but from another friend of mine who attended the awarding event (as it is never like Vanessa to announce it even if I begged her to) — I could not contain my excitement. That sewing machine on my desk will surely be a family heirloom! One day, I will proudly tell my grandchildren, “That once belonged to Vanessa Ang!”

Vanessa, the 26-year-old, self-confessed daddy’s girl, who had to convince her dad to let her study and live in New York City on her own, finally proved to her parents that letting go of her to pursue her dreams was worth the sacrifice.

She may soon be a household name, just as Rajo Laurel, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Ivarluski Aseron, and Mich Dulce have became fashion fixtures after their YDC stints.

As her supportive boyfriend Raymond, who is still here in New York but is looking forward to joining her in Manila soon, would always tell her, “Follow your vision, what is truly important to you, then everything else will fall into place.”

Vanessa, who looks up to Alber Elbaz, Cristobal Balenciaga, Olivier Theyskens, Nicholas Ghesquiere, Dries Van Noten, and Miuccia Prada is working on her own ready-to-wear line. She likes designing clothes that are easy to wear, for busy girls who want to feel comfortable. Her design aesthetic is all about mixing something old with something new and modernizing it.

PHILIPPINE STAR: How did your Parsons experience prepare you for this competition?

VANESSA ANG: In Parsons, I had to do everything myself, so I think I learned a lot in terms of time management.

What made you decide to join the Mega Young Designers’ competition?

It was my friend Pier Lim who told me about it and we wanted to join for fun.

The theme for this year is “Cultural Transformation.” What was your inspiration behind your winning collection?

My concept was transparency about people being more open right now compared to before. This can be seen in reality shows, blogs, outsourcing, etc. This cultural transformation is shown in my collection through the soft, neutral washed-out hues in transparent, gauzy fabrics (such as silk chiffon, silk georgette, silk organza and silk organdy) that play with light, highlighting themes of luminosity and layers of transparency.

What was going through your mind when your collection was going down the runway?

Backstage, I was wondering how it looked onstage and hoping I don’t disappoint the audience, because we couldn’t see it. 

What did you think of your fellow contestants’ entries to the competition?

They are all very good.  You know that we all worked really hard on our collection and you can see through the clothes that each of us has our own personality.

How did you feel when they announced that you were the winner and how does it feel now that it has sunk in?

I was very surprised! I really wasn’t expecting it. In fact, when they called my name I wasn’t paying attention to what was going on during that time so I didn’t know that I won. The people backstage had to call me.

I feel happy and excited, but at the same time a bit afraid because the most difficult thing is starting something.

What was your plan for your design career and how has winning changed your plans? What’s the next step for you?

I really want to do ready-to-wear. Winning didn’t really change anything. Win or not, I would still work on the same thing.

What did your parents say about you winning?

My dad gave me a speech the night before the competition that he’s proud of me even if don’t win. They’re very happy for me, and they said that I should balance creativity with hard work.

What do you think of the fashion scene in Manila? Are you setting your sights towards an international career as well?

I haven’t thought that far yet! I think the fashion scene in Manila is still developing, but there are a lot of very creative and talented people here.