Both my grandmother and aunt made clothes for a living, so growing up, I witnessed how happy they were able to make their customers with the garments they made. I knew than that I wanted to be able to bring people that same level of joy through my own creations. That is why I decided to pursue a career in fashion.

HOW DID YOU START AS A DESIGNER?

I joined a fashion design competition back in 2009 and I was motivated to continue the craft.

WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR DESIGN TRAINING?

I had mentors: OJ Hofer and Edwin Ao. Now, I'm finishing my studies in the University of San Carlos.

WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC?

Fashion is always changing. I like to create pieces that are classic but still relevant to the times.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

Everywhere. From nature, mostly. Nothing is original in this world. Inspiration blossoms from what we see. Nature has provided us that.

WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ICONS? YOUR STYLE INFLUENCES/INSPIRATIONS?

Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Lanphear, Robyn.

WHICH DESIGNERS/ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, BOTH LOCAL AND FOREIGN?

Cary Santiago, Ivarluski Aseron, Edwin Ao, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Riccardo Tisci, Nicole and Michael Colovos of Helmut Lang.

WHO ARE THE CLIENTS YOU ENJOY WORKING WITH?

The kind who let me do my thing. The clients who challenge me to keep improving my craft.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A DESIGNER?

[Finding] raw materials.

WHICH ASPECT OF THE DESIGN PROCESS DO YOU ENJOY MOST?

The part where I interact with the clients, when they share their thoughts and I share mine.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION YOURSELF EVOLVING AS A DESIGNER?

Learning new stuff. I'm open to new techniques and ways of creating garments. By learning, I think that you can master and you can also teach it to the younger generations.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Star Creation and AFX. Through these I got publicity, which resulted to clientele.

WHAT ASPECT OF DESIGN DO YOU SEEK TO MASTER?

Fabric manipulation and tailoring.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF INFLUENCING THE EVOLUTION OF FILIPINO FASHION?

By promoting our own fabrics.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM YOU?

Maybe after graduation, join Philippine Fashion Week, build a shop, and continue to promote Filipino fashion.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING DESIGNERS?

Find yourself, be it, and believe in it. I think this advice is already worn out, but it worked for me.