Behind the seams
MANILA, Philippines - Instant gratification has been the norm for a while now, but some things do remain sacred, like the post-scholastic ritual that is graduation. For all of its movie and television reincarnations, the rite of passage seems to be impervious to clichés. Even with recurring allusions to Reality Bites or, say, High School Musical, anyone who wants that diploma bad enough will still be left unscathed. This is, after all, the invulnerable time when symbolism runs deep and wild among trite things such as a piece of parchment and a toga. Some may even go as far as having the ability to create the ceremonial robes themselves. They probably wouldn’t — but they can.
They might have skipped the Supermarket Sweep mayhem, Project Runway-style, but to give Heidi Klum’s brainchild some credit, it has given us some justified ideas. One, a vocation as specialized as fashion designing incurs the right institution (see: Parsons). Second, as easy as it is to wear clothes (at least most of the time), it ain’t the same as making them. Design dexterity harks back to the Home Ec horrors of sewing by hand or by machine, coupled with the trappings of pattern making and the perpetual efforts to exercise grace under pressure (see: every episode of Project Runway ever made). Luckily, there’s the School of the Fashion and the Arts, the breeding ground for the new slew of aspiring designers these days. Young Star gets a prick on SoFA’s latest graduates who, finally, aren’t on pins and needles about school anymore — but if we’re keeping up with the maxim of commencement exercises here, we’d say it’s all just begun.
Geoffrey Zordilla, 21
• I was inspired by birds, specifically the hummingbird. I liked the hummingbird because of its outrageous feather colors, the pointed beak and its unique neck details.
• I might say that I am inspired by how Danilo Franco gives us so much knowledge when it comes to designing. Internationally, I also like the late Alexander McQueen — he was brilliant.
• I let myself get carried away with my fantasies, sometimes — images of pomp and wealth, royalty and accompanying privilege and sophistication. I love Art Nouveau, soft curvy lines and wavy organic forms.
• My designs plays with cuttings and also I like working on soft with stiff silhouettes or the other way round.
• I want to help rebuild the fashion industry in the Philippines.
Kirby Cruz, 23
• The inspiration for my collection is all about fractals. The exaggerated lines, curves and combination of vibrant and dark colors of fractals inspired me.
• I love the curiosity of the aesthetics of Hussein Chalayan, Jan Garcia, and Danilo Franco when it comes to designing.
• I’ve always dreamt of designing clothes especially for men because for me it is very difficult for to find a store that offers clothes out of the box.
• I started with zero knowledge in fashion and designing; all I knew and all I wanted was to create and give passion to my design.
• I always try to experiment with how the materials will work with my designs. I like heavy, dark and nude colors.
Nicee Atienza, 21
• My collection for the grad show was inspired by crystals and Art Nouveau. The whole concept of my collection was to make youthful party clothes.
• I like Elie Saab because I could relate to his designs, giving that romantic, feminine and classic silhouette to the designs of the clothes.
• My design philosophy is to make beautiful and accessible clothes that will make my clients feel good and confident about themselves.
• As an upcoming designer I would want to be successful in this career I have chosen, for I know in my heart that I love what I do.
• The best thing I’ve learned from SoFA is to love what you do and to design dreams and make it into reality.
Vince Tolentino, 26
• The concept was to try and capture the shape, diversity and breathless beauty of galaxies, the bright light of stars contrasting with the darkness of wide empty space.
• I generally admire designers who break new ground, think outside the box and create pieces that are unique and of flawless elegance such as Inno Soto and Armani Prive, as well as Galliano’s collections.
• My particular interest is centered on haute couture, working with fine garments that aspire to embody the highest quality of workmanship.
• I hope to showcase another set of a design collection on the runway and successfully launch my own line of designs in the future.
• My mentors helped me to fully realize my potential and were successful in turning my weaknesses into my strengths. I’ve learned the skills necessary to incorporate quality and finesse into every piece of my designs from the initial sketch through to the finished product.
Gabbie Sareneas, 24
• I was inspired by the ballet — its beauty, grace, femininity and everything about it. I’ve always been fascinated and impressed with ballet dancers, by how they can dance with such grace and weightlessness; it’s as if they don’t feel a thing.
• Locally, I look up to Inno Sotto. Not only because he’s the Prince of Philippine Fashion but because of his hard work, love and dedication to his craft that propelled him to where he is now.
• How I design should always reflect the past and embrace the future. In addition, clothes should always suit and fit the female form. It should not scream for attention but just walk graciously among the pack.
• Most importantly, my goal is to design for the public. I want to be able to dress beautiful women and make them feel even more beautiful.
• The best thing I’ve learned from SoFA is that your dreams can come true and be fully developed. It gives you both the creative and technical (numbers) so people like me can survive in this industry.
