Fashion and the arts

MANILA, Philippines - Jesus Lloren is the featured designer at the upcoming Red Charity Gala. His mission: to create a 40-piece collection of both architectural and soft pieces inspired by Filipino paintings. The Red Charity Gala on Oct. 18 will feature the workmanship of the designer to raise funds for the Philippine Red Cross and Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation. Here’s the gist of YStyle’s 10 minutes with the designer: 

Fashion and art have been coming together often — where is the urge coming from?

Designers love the arts. They easily get inspiration from artworks. Not all designers are like that — some are nature-lovers. Seeing a garden, a branch or a flower, instantly sparks an idea in them.

When you approach a new collection, do you wipe the slate clean?

I look back on my previous collections so that I won’t be repeating what I’ve already done. In case I use a technique again, it has to be a variation of the technique. I have to use it in a different way. I challenge myself, “If I am going to use this technique again, how am I going to own it or develop it?” Otherwise, I abandon it. There are times when some silhouettes would appear and appear. Sometimes I would tell myself, “Eto na naman, it’s the same silhouette.” But of course, I cannot invent a new silhouette, unless I’m such a genius.

Where did you begin with this project? It’s pretty research-intensive.

I grabbed pictures of paintings that caught my attention. I’m neighbors with an art gallery owned by Albert Avellana, so I consulted him. He referred me to Boots Herrera who is an art professor in the Ateneo, and she was the one who gave me an academic perspective on the arts, told me which paintings mattered. For example, I liked this Malang painting of a rooster, so I showed it to her and she told me, “It’s nice, but Malang is not known for that painting. Maybe you can check the paintings that he’s known for.” So it’s an homage to the painters who matter, the National Artists, the prime movers of Filipino art.

How long have you been working on it?

Since Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga told me last year that I was going to be the designer for the 2014 gala, I decided to start with the collection in January — but I was able to start in June. But prior to that, I was already experimenting with little pieces.

With all of your existing commitments, how do you choose the projects you work on or the people you collaborate with?

I can never say no to charitable projects. I don’t like projects na parang ginagamit ka. For example, yung, “I’m launching a beauty salon and I want you to be part of it…” No. I want it to be worthwhile. Mapapagod ka din naman eh.

Project Runway Philippines auditions are on again. What lesson are you driving home this season? 

I always tell them to hone and perfect their craft. Most of all, I tell them to continue learning and experimenting. And when they’re already in the thick of the profession, that they still be professional in every way. Even if you’re the most talented designer, if you’re hard to work with, wala din.

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For inquiries and reservations, contact Maggie Gineta at 0917-8325570 or visit www. redcharitygala.com.