Not by the book alone

My good friend and fabulous fashion designer, Tippi Ocampo launched her very first published book in a celebrated and visually astounding exhibit at the lobby of Greenbelt 3. The book, entitled Not By the Book: Fashioning Design is a beautiful collection of gowns designed and crafted by Tippi from inspiration she drew from things one encounters every day. It is an homage to her creativity and passion for her craft and is a breath-taking showcase of her incredible talent.

I first met Tippi years ago through her brother and one of my best friends, John. At the time she had already begun what was to become an illustrious fashion career. When I met her she had just given up a job at an advertising agency and was beginning to design full-time and just won international accolades with her stunning entry to the Young Designers Paris Competition of a complex and gorgeous gown inspired by stained glass windows and lanterns and bearing her signature hook and eye design.

I remember seeing this creation in her workshop years ago and even then being amazed by the beautiful craftsmanship and the creativity that went into making it. It wasn’t long after I met Tippi that I went to her to have clothes designed. When I needed a formal yet comfortable top for an out-of-town event she made me a lovely mint green chiffon top which I adore to this day, when I needed a casual yet stylish Filipino-inspired top for an event in Singapore I chose from her terno line and wowed the foreigners at the event with a denim terno top clasped together by a long line of hooks and eyes. One of my particular favorites was a Grecian-inspired light silver jersey gown with orange and red accents that I wore to the Philippine STAR’s anniversary ball a few years back. Indeed, all of Tippi’s designs have impressed me, especially since I never have to tell her what I want; she just always seems able to read my mind.

I was thrilled that she was putting her inspirations and creations together in a book and I was sure it was going to be a visual masterpiece. Sure enough, when I finally got my hands on the soft pink and brown book, clasped closed with hooks and eyes (naturally), I was amazed as I went through the contents. The book is a collection of sketches, photos of inspiration and illustrations as well as several interactive portions not unlike the Griffin and Sabine books. It made going through it not only informative but fun as well as you pulled out little photos, felt swatches, and even caught a glimpse of yourself. What’s most striking about the book, though, is the heartfelt passion you see on every page drawing inspiration from the most unlikely of places.

“Fashion and art need not be found in only glamorous or beautiful places,” Tippi shares as she walks me through her exhibit. “I want to show that you can get inspiration everywhere including the market or on a jeepney, or even in an old provincial home. All you have to do is open your eyes and see the beauty in the things around you. You can draw inspiration from the woven patterns of a seat or the texture and color combinations of a roof. All you have to do is be open.”

Looking around the exhibit, curated by Yael Buencamino, and leafing through the book one can see Tippi’s words come to life. Her creations include a delicate lace cobweb dress inspired by spiders and moths and a colorful jeepney dress complete with mini jeepney necklace designed by Candy Reyes. Some of my favorites were the butterfly aviary dress from the garden section (complete with live butterflies, mind you!) and the keyhole dress that included beautiful woven hardware into the delicate fabric. I liked the way the elements all played together to create something stunning.

I also really liked the beautiful design of the whole exhibit. With wrought-iron gates and hooks and eyes on the walls and pillars it was a perfect backdrop to Tippi’s beautiful dresses and was the brainchild of my longtime friend and Tippi’s brother, John Lacson (and expertly made by Doods Ventura). I really enjoyed how they created tableaus for each of her design palettes including the Provincial Garden tableau, the Our Houses tableau, and the City Sidestreets tableau, to name a few. It was a great way to really highlight the pieces and make them stand out.

“I am really very grateful to be able to put together the book and launch it through the exhibit,” Tippi shares. “In this aspect, I feel that you get to see the entire creative process and see how the sketches and photos in the book materialized in the actual pieces. In many ways, it’s the book come to life,” she finishes with a smile.

At the launch and opening reception, guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres, wine and Machiavelli chocolates as they walked around the exhibit. Music was provided by Doppler Audio and overall production was handled by E2 Productions. Guests were an eclectic mix of people from the fashion set, art circles and advertising community.

Not by the Book: Fashioning Design is a vibrant and exciting read and a must-have for anyone with a passion for fashion and art. Tippi has put together not only a wonderful book, but a lasting testament to her timeless style and passion for her art and craft. Be sure to get a copy today (you can even enjoy dressing a paper doll from the book in an original Tippi Ocampo!). Order the book through order@notbythebook.net or text 0915-7100357. You can also look for the book in bookstores very soon.