MANILA, Philippines - Fantasy, to paraphrase one of the greatest poets of our time, “feels like I’m dreaming, but I’m not sleeping.” That’s Mariah in one of the seminal songs of my youth.
To celebrate the holidays, MetroWear tasked five young designers to craft a “holiday fantasy”-themed collection inspired by famous Christmas narratives: 12 Days of Christmas, The Nutcracker, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Snow Queen. YStyle got a sneak peek at the upcoming looks.
John Herrera
What inspires you?
Old films inspire me. Everything from the acting, to the production design, screenplay and dialogue. I like literal inspirations than abstracted ones and the “oldies” provide these elements.
Who are your greatest influences?
I have always loved how Christian Dior, the last dictator of fashion, thinks. For contemporary designers, it has to be John Galliano, especially with my “Fantasy” collection. Locally, my idol has always been my champion and mentor, Cary Santiago.
What will we be seeing at your
Metrowear show?
The theme that was assigned to me was 12 Days of Christmas. From that, I got the idea of gift-wrapping, specifically the ribbons and bows. The challenge was to make the gazar satin fabric tough and rigid to emulate gift-wrapping paper. I also experimented on pleated ruffles to convey my story. I’ve never made a colorful collection so this is very different from the “look” that I am known for.
Joel Escober
What inspires you?
Travel, good fashion books and family.
Who are the greatest influences in you career?
My sisters are my first influences in fashion. I started to love gowns because of my sister Annaliza’s impeccable style. When I started my fashion career, Randy Ortiz allowed me to continue my retail business through Myth. His passion for his craft led me to take fashion seriously. Jerome Ang and Haydee Alindogan motivated me to invest in fashion books –– I have 80 of them. Today, my mentor and friend Noel Crisostomo is my biggest influence. His dedication to his work, tasteful aesthetics and friendship are really important to me.
What will we be seeing at the Metrowear Show?
Dark, glam, feathers, classic silhouettes with edgy metal elements.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration in every material I use. Having a background in historic costumes and ornaments also serves as an inspiration –– lavish clothes from every era serve as a constant springboard for my creations.
Who are the greatest influences in you career?
My grandmother is my first mentor. She taught me the basics of dress-making and sewing –– skills I used to make costumes for high school projects. Various ideas and concepts shared by my professor in costume design: Eric C. Pineda added to my passion for fashion.
What will we be seeing at the Metrowear Show?
The theme of my collection is drawn from the story of The Nutcracker — the union of ballerina and the toy soldier through the combination of military uniforms and ballet tutus. The silhouettes of the collection include collared blazers, full skirts and sheer dresses. I utilized shredded tulle fused on sheer tulle, fringed fabrics and gold embellishments.
Martin Bautista
What inspires you?
Too many things. Spontaneity, reality, individuality, music, culture.
Who are the greatest influences in your career?
Christina Aguilera, because of her music and vision as a musician –– that life is a celebration for everyone, whether you’re a man, woman, fat, skinny, Asian or Latino. I think this is how fashion should be — clothes must be speak a universal language that everyone can relate to.
What will we be seeing at the Metrowear show?
My fantasy coming to life. My fascination with reality — real clothes that are made to enhance the quality of women’s lives.