Be consistent

Dreaming…Doubting…Hurting…Hoping

It’s always been my ambition to be the best in the field where I am now. Yes, to have a big name as fashion designer is part of that and I believe there’s nothing wrong with dreaming of becoming famous.

When I was studying fashion design, I and my classmates had so much fun by sharing our thoughts that someday we would become professionals. We were so many in our group but only few of us were able to fulfill that dream.  Many years has passed we all went to different paths and became busy with our lives no longer a student but adults that soaring like a bird searching for a place to find rest, conquer and to proved what we have got  whenever and wherever there’s an opportunity.

I can still remember how excited I was when I got my first job. At the young age of 16 my family couldn’t believe that I landed a job as fashion designer for that reason I was so young then to be one. I should say it was not easy for me; part of my responsibilities was to supervise the production and I didn’t have any background in sewing and to make patterns and even simply to stitch by hand. All I knew then was just simply to sketch the design that comes on my mind. But this work paved the way for me to realize how big responsibility I have and that I still have a lot of things to do to improve my skills and to be better. Through the years I kept doing my best to be excellent in my work and to give the kind of service expected from me by all the companies I worked and working with. But I remember there were moments that I thought fashion industry was, or shall I say is not kind to me. I guess everybody goes through with this kind of feeling when you can’t get what you wanted in your way and in your own designated time. All industry has its own share of cruelty to disappoint and fail us but actually when we give a big thought about it there’s no successful person in any field who has not experienced going all through pain and sufferings before they reached the position or best situation where they have now. Perhaps, people would say that I am just bitter but the truth is I was. I asked myself, why? There was a time I doubted myself if I am really good in this. But I was reminded; I have a gift that is precious and special I have received from God. I just have to work on it and cultivate it consistently.

To be content and grateful in all what we have will give us peace and appreciation. I love what I do, I can’t help myself at times thanking God for all I have and the never ending blessings I received and will receive from Him every moment. I have work, a career in fashion which by God’s grace I’m on my 26^th year and clients who kept on patronizing my work and satisfied, praise God!  I kept on sketching the ideas I have in mind and creating it. Even though I have kept plenty of designs already and I don’t know when I can produce all of these, I don’t stop! All I know soon all these will come to life…Big time!

Still, I want to do more, I want to continue sharing my talent in designing by mentoring of which I did several times. I’m not asking for something in return from people, it would be the least I would do. Before I said to myself that someday my works and contribution in this profession will be appreciated and recognized in the industry but all these have been changed. I just want plainly to encourage people who also love and have so much passion to work and to be in fashion.

Loving what you do is one of the key ingredients to keep sustaining your focus but we have to add patience to improve our character and faith to give us strength and determination to pursue our dreams and achieve it. Even there are obstacles and hindrance along the way, do not stop. Remember that gold will not be in its perfect brilliance without going through fire.

Keep soaring.

It's Time for Couture Change

In the industry where I am and have the long years of my career, change is inevitable. In every season like the four seasons in a year, fashion has its own fast pace in shifting and creating looks that would bring every fashionistas into another dimension of trends. In each given season Fashion Designers will present their creations in the form of fashion show of which most people who has interest and love for fashion would pay attention to update themselves of "What's In and What's Out" and / or "Who's In and Who's Out."

Some outsiders of the industry view fashion like some kind of insanity. But how can this be insane when one can create something "insanely" fabulous! Really, there were people tried to understand and penetrate the system and the mind of this very creative fraternity but unfortunately most of them failed or half baked. I agree that there are a lot of things happening here that can equate with politics and showbiz but still, fashion has its own world.

Whether we accept it or not, change is certain. What's the "must have" of the moment and the most talk about "le creature" in Paris, in the next season it's going to be replaced again. Like the famous line of Heidi Klum in her top rated reality show Project Runway – "today you're in and tomorrow you're out."

To connnect this cycle in our personal lives, we are all bound for change , but sad to say, there are some who chose not to or maybe not yet. Well, there are several who found themselves at a better situation and living comfortably and some who are still struggling to have their own special corner. But whether we are in a "luxe wear" or "low-end" clothing we should not stop seeking and exert effort to become a better person… a change person. I am not saying for the ones who are living comfortably and materially blessed to be greedy and self centered but to check inwardly what else are there to be replaced for good and how they can be a help for others and make a difference. On the other hand, the "less fortunate" for most of them think they are, there are a lot of things to do in this world to turn the unpleasant circumstances to be pleasant. Look around you and you'll discover what you can do and search your heart what do you want to be come. Just pumped - up that "poor - needy spirit" on high! I made some kind – a self improvement steps below that you can check out and follow later on…If you want.

I was a great dreamer and still am; I also have my share of failures in so many ways but I didn't stop trailing on my journey to reach my goals. I already achieved some of them and I'm very thankful for that. Every end of the day I  analyze what had happened during the whole day then check what I have to improve and  to maintain.. Actually, I had  this journal before where I wrote all the good things and bad things I've done during the day. It's very helpful to see if you're improving or degrading (I want to have a new journal for this). In fashion, glamour is only the "sweet icing" on a cake, there are a lot of hard work to sweat on, disappointments to shed tears, but along these process there are also big stars of success in the end just like in real life.

Now here's some of Life - Fashion Make- Over that I want to share with you to perk up your mood. So, fashionistas read on!

1)      Refresh your current "pessimistic mind - trend" to a very "couture-ish - optimistic mind set" so you can always claim that you are "in!"

2)      Make sure that "the must-have" jacket of change is always present in your wardrobes so that every time you feel or see the need of it you can always put it on.

3)      Don't you ever dare wear the "out-dated" attitude of yours again! This is a BIG NO! You might get caught by a Fashion Police who is just around the corner.

4)      Always be grateful and thankful for whatever you have received for the "look" of the moment because sooner or later, if you are good and obedient you will acquire the ultimate "fab glorified look forever!"

5)      Don’t ever think that praying to God is unfashionable and counting your blessings is not cool.  C'mon! There's a "Director" up there watching people in the whole wide world everyday on the "catwalk" of life checking out there who's doing the best "required walk."

6)      Give yourself a chance to figure out what else do you have to infuse in your daily life like giving a "colorful" words of encouragement and a bright "crystal sparkle" smile to others. This can make a one fine day to both sides.

7)       Never say never to friends who are telling you the truth and hurting words at times to "edit" you life for the better. They are true friends of which are very hard and some say are rare to find now in this fashioned world.

8)      On the other hand be careful to your so called "friends" who always say "You look fabulous!" even you don't.

9)       Look on the mirror everyday before you leave home to check if you're wearing the right MODE or the MOOD of DISASTER.

10)   Always open for improving the "silhouette" of character for you otherwise you will hear the loud shout from the Almighty Creator, "You're Out!"

Now I'll leave everything to you my friends and fellow fashionistas. You would know if you need this and you know where you stand.

In the song Supermodel, Rupaul said "You better work!"

A Corner to Claim

There’s this saying “Each of us has its own place in this world”. This message has a positive impact if not to all but for most of us. The quote has a promise, it makes you dream somehow and it gives hope.

Now there’s a question, where that place would be? Is it somewhere near, maybe somewhere in other far place? But the answer is still yet to come until we finally discover the direction to the place where we want to be.

Most of us want to be somebody. I remember when I was a kid I have a favorite dancers. Every time I see them on t.v as guest performers in variety shows I always tell myself that I want to be a great dancer like them. True enough, I became a dancer in high school and had performed in several shows in our school events and did shows outside with my dance group in school through the help and direction of our dance instructor who performed with the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group who paved the way for us to perform with them in several events. During those days I always thought of becoming a better dancer. So just like most of the performers, I did a lot of practice and attend training courtesy of our dance group mentor.  I thought I will dance whole my life but my direction made a detour; I shifted into fashion after high school. I stop dancing not because I don’t like to dance anymore but I discovered another passion in me of which was developing at that time. I pursued that direction and the rest is history.

Although I enjoyed and loved dancing I gave myself a try for another or rather a new "corner" that arrived to give me an opportunity to develop my other undiscovered and raw gift. I took that chance and journeyed the rough and challenging road. And while I’m on the beginning of that road I found a place to enhance my talent – the first level, I studied and right after I finished my school I was hired, my very first job as a fashion designer in a garment factory, a big responsibility and an array of tasks for a beginner and very young as I was to conquer a place and fill up with my creative juices and show what I got.  From then on I continuously and religiously keep on walking on the path where I chose and focus on my direction to keep my new corner in the best atmosphere and taking care of it at all times. It’s not easy but it’s fulfilling.

Talent and skills may not fade away but the opportunities to acquire a corner or corners in this world may. Do not let others and circumstances hinder you to push yourself to have that chance to prove your worth and what you have within you. People will not see how exceptional you are unless you show it.

Can anyone snatch an opportunity from you? Probably yes but not your corner because you will be the one to build that wherever and whenever you want.  From where we are we can enhance ourselves, develop our skills expand our knowledge and acquire wisdom from God.

Now, is there still anyone haven’t found a corner to claim? Go! Don’t’ just sit there and find a place for yourself.  There are endless possibilities out there don’t waste your chance to grab even just one.

For Male Fashionista

Men's Fashion Evolution                                                                        

Ever since Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Ennio Capasa, Jean Paul Gaultier just to name a few, presented their vision on men's fashion in the 70s and the 80's men's wear has never been the same. Fearlessly shared what they have envisioned for the Adonis's has paved the way for men to consider fashion and developed their taste and personal style. Wearing a plain white shirt with a pair of jeans is not boring or plain anymore but it is now complemented with attitude and zest. In short men possessed already an individual look that these designers has guided and helped them to developed through what they need and want.

Variety of choices in designs for men's clothing, accessories as well as grooming products and body scents is now available in the fashion market. You can see men on the street, offices, factories and schools bearing their own style in dressing. It doesn't matter how you wear your black suit it is just depend on the occasion. Gone are the days the strict code on wearing tux with bow tie. I'm not saying its out it's just that it's not the "basic uniform" anymore in a Gala or attending a special gathering. In the Chanel Printèmps – Etè 2011 collection male super model Baptiste Giabiconi strutted down the runway wearing a Tail Coat with White Crew neck shirt and a Boots. The look is not every man can get away with but it's very young, modern and most of all the message is very fashion forward that something men can grasp for reference.

Baptiste Giabiconi

In the late 90's Hedi Slimane captured the fashion industry by storm with his Rock-Star look for his collection. His Skinny Silhouette for men has become a staple pattern for men's fashion until now that even the legendary fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld wear Slimane's design for a period of time.

Ennio Capasa's Men's Fall / Winter 2011 for Costume National

Hedi Slimane and Karl Lagerfeld

It is very exciting to wait and see what's coming up next for these brilliant designers, the established and up and coming ones creations in men's fashion for the next seasons to come.

For Personal Style

For those men who are in the process of discovering their style and concern about the price, I may say it is not necessary to follow trends all the time and buy designers clothes but one must stay and improve his own personal style according to his means. If you're comfortable having a bespoke clothing or in track pants so be it. What matters is how you carry it and that style represents you as an individual. You cannot be Tom Ford or Johnny Depp but you can use their manner of dressing as your guide in your own closet.

Your look or outward image can make a great impact on other people. I respect others opinion about fashion that is crazy, funny and unnecessary but mind you no one has landed a good and descent job and gained respect with an unprepared and untidy representation. It's packaging honey!

So be at your best, be the best men out there and get a look! 

The Power of Inspiration - part 4B

Mario Testino

Herb Ritts

Steven Meisel

My taste level in fashion images progressed (and still is progressing) with the help of these famous photographers work. Their meticulous eye to details and visions that they unselfishly shared in the industry has brought me to desire more to step up to a higher level of artistry and creativity..

Annie Leibovitz

Of course theres another Icon that definitely I did not forget to include here and share with you. His work has always been breath taking and impeccably done. His "eye lens" and taste in capturing fashion images are uncomparable....Bravo! Mr.Helmut Newton.

Helmut Newton

The Power of Inspiraton - 4A

Fashion Editors, Photographers and Models are important "parts" of the fashion "body" and not to forget Stylist as well. Each one has its own functions to make fashion exciting and desirable. Before I wasn't aware of the role of a fashion editor until my frequent browsing and researching on books and  magazines my awareness poped out. I was so fortunate that I've learned the importance and hard work of this job from the Biography of a Famous Lady who  achieved her iconic stature by inspiring and helping people inside and outside the glamorous industry. 

Diana Vreeland

I'm talking about no less than the original Fab, Diana Vreeeland, who once worked in Harper's Bazaar as a Columnist and later as Fashion Editor and in Vogue as Editor in Chief. She also became Consultant to the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York. Her ideas and style were always being considered as "law" in declaring a look and trend in fashion and lifestyle. Her remarkable dedication and contribution in Arts and Fashion will always be remember.

Richard Avedon

I still clearly see myself on my reaction the first time I saw the works of Cecil Beaton   (Costume Designer, Interior Designer, Photographer...) and Richard Avedon many years ago in one of those hard bound and expensive books featuring top photographers and artists alike of all times. I was stunned looking at the works of these two gifted world renowned Geniuses while standing inside that bookstore browsing the book. Their works give me goose bumps up to now whenever i look at them...sooo   perfectly done.


There are so many talented photographers in this generation and from the past but only few went into fashion and are in demand ( this is as far as I know or maybe others doesn't have much offers... whatever). Like Beaton and Avedon these few also established their big names capturing glamorous images for fashion magazines and one of kind portraits for high profile people and celebrities. 

Cecil Beaton

And these "few" are Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, Herb Ritts and Mario Testino...

* My next post will be uploaded later...Thanks for following.

It's A Matter of Choice

Any circumstances I believe have a great purpose for each individual's life. May it be good or bad there is something worthy to keep and to surrender. It all depends on ones view in the end, it's either to make or break his character.

We set goals both for our personal and career lives and make decisions on the path where we go to walk through. The end result of what we do is certain but the way how we want to finish it is another matter.

There are so many people that I have met in my life that gave me so much encouragement and made them as my role models. They're not perfect but how they live and treat life that's what much affected me.

I want to start with the "blessed" ones those were born rich living a life comfortably and yet humble… I mean humble in the real sense of the word. In fact they can afford to be arrogant and unfriendly and use their resources into unpleasant activities and hurt knowingly and unknowingly people around them. Having all these material things and comforts in life they're should be "fine." In reality they're like most of us experiencing difficulty and challenges in life. As to many will say it's easier for them to solve their problems and move on because of their acquisitions, but it is not. They may be seated on the business class or first class of the airplane but when an engine problem occurs they also share the same "feeling" with the people at the lower seats.

Actually, most of the people I have met are started from a humble beginning and made their way up because of their sheer dedication to have a better life and I salute them and give my due respect for their achievements. Keeping their feet on the ground is one of their key principles to be spiritually healthy and mentally sane. But I must include that some of them have turned into a "monster." And I'm sure that they won't accept this and see themselves how they become as one. I've seen them with my very eyes their horrible transformation and experienced their egotistical beings. It is such a pity, I really pity them. Trying hard to be somebody else that they're not. Foolishly playing around of themselves with their self declarations of titles unfit to their likeness and unforgettable "planet" where they came from.

I am happy that I also have met and have friends who belong to the lower class of the society or the so called less fortunate ones. In my own point of view they're only less fortunate in terms of material things but to some or many interpret this differently. What they have and can give you is their very transparent and non-challant personality, and faithful friendship too. But I think what makes them special and fortunate is there are a lot of rooms of opportunities for them to be improve because of their shallowness and heart felt sensitivities in life.

I site these people as my subject to share my personal encounters and lessons learned through the years. I hope that these different levels in facets of life have enlightened you or maybe can help you to start to live an encouraging and joyful life. And for those who doesn't know how to rejuvenate their mortality and wake up from their dreams and illusions, it's not yet late for you. You just have to accept who you are and where you are.

There is nothing wrong to aim high for life and push your big ambitions just make sure that you're "awake" and clearly aware of the reality.

Be always grateful to the people who have helped you or helping you to attain your dreams. And be thankful for the blessings and grace that God has given you all the days of your life.

 Material possessions, outward images, status can be achieved and developed in a period of time but the character of a person can out shine all and give a lasting impression.

What you have decided to keep or to give up will definitely give an impact in your life and to others. The question is, "Is it for the Better or for Worst?" 

You have a choice.

Anything under the Sun: The Power of Inspiration - part 3.B

Anything under the Sun: The Power of Inspiration - part 3.B

The Power of Inspiration - part 3.B

Another group of super talented designers rose in the 80's are from the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan. These designers created a look that haven't seen or done before the very eye of the fashion kibitzers - The Avant-Garde. 

Issey Miyake

I want to name and share my favorite Japanese designers with you. The very first designer I admire is Issey Miyake. He designed and formed dresses with his own version of electric pleating. His was partly contoured on the body and some loose with asymmetric collars, sleeves, hemlines with no openings or closures can be seen on the garment. That made me wonder how one can  get into those clothes.

Yohji Yamamoto

The second on my list is Yohji Yamamoto, very eccentric looking genius and I love his personal style. He is very consistent both for himself and his designs. His clothes for both men and women it seems can be worn by both gender. 
And the third but not the least, is Rei Kawakubo of Commes des Garcons. Like the two, she has also her fair share in putting Japan on the fashion map. She is one of the female designers who showed and proved to the world that gender issues doesn't matter to be a leader in fashion.

Rei Kawakubo

I was so amazed on how they made the construction of their design, the detailing, the flaw-less cutting and the fabrics they used applied with modern technology of which they are best known.  Like me who has witnessed their work in the 80's, if you were already "in" that year, you would want to be part of their team who pioneered a fashion that is so inventive and fresh. From then on these designers had embedded their distinct contribution in the history of fashion and still making a difference up to this present generation.

Men's Fashion by Yohji Yamamoto

Their ingenuity has touched me so much and pushed me more to learn about the construction of a garment by studying the unconventional - edgy techniques introduced by them.