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Loving What I Do

Like any profession, fashion design involves extremely stressful days and endless deadlines. Designing a full collection, you literally die a thousand deaths sketching and editing. Months before my first solo gala, I spent sleepless nights putting on paper ideas and visions that pop out of my bedroom ceiling while I listen to strains of Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Weeks after, the clothes are sewn and fitted to the models. Time was ticking, some ten days before the big day, I needed to edit two suites, everything else turned out as I saw them in my mind.
As I am left alone in my thoughts after a full day of fittings, I am warmed by an immense feeling of gratitude for being able to do what I do, creating beautiful clothes and making people happy.

The best time to sketch was from 12 midnight to 4 in the morning.

I was inspired by my favorite heroines.

First model fittings.

Jackie Aquino is a walking Google box, a trove of knowledge.

Two of my favorite models, Jessica Yang and Anne Barker.

Perfect proportions, Valerie de los Santos and James Zablan.

The Atelier, three nights before the big day.

The stage design was inspired by a quote from Victor Hugo - "Each man should frame life so that at some future hour, fact and his dreaming meet."

Two gentlemen I truly admire who made this dream show happen, Phillip Cu-Unjieng and Raul Manzano.

Real life models, Matteo Cu-Unjieng, EJ Trinidad, Nico Yabut and Rich Lopa.

Many thanks to Chris Lopez for believing in my talent and loving my humor.

Rhiana Matera during dress rehearsals.

The "Jeune Fille" suite, circle skirts, billowy sleeves and perky bows.

The "Sakura" suite, inspired by cherry blossoms and the twists of the Obi sash.

Watching the rehearsals with Raul Manzano and Vic Barba.

I didn't want to just show clothes, I also wanted to tell my story. We did just that through quotes.


"In my parallel Universe, it rains cherry blossoms." 


Backstage.

The pearl encrusted coat.

A dear friend and fellow Francophile Vic Barba offered to be a backstage hand.

Another good friend who offered an extra hand, Tonichi Nocom.

Backstage banter with Angel Agustin and Valerie de los Santos.

Many thanks TRESemme for making us well tressed!


Silk flowers from El Arte Filipino.

Metal cuffs from SM Accessories.

Last minute adjustments on Ria Bolivar's gown.

Bone patent leather pumps from Janylin.

TRESemme ambassador, the Jing Monis!

"JC, are we ready?"

Special thanks to Franco Laurel for the rehearsal and backstage photographs.


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  1. UnknownTuesday, September 8, 2015 at 6:13:00 AM GMT+8

    Glad to be part of a very good show.Never been part of a show that evoked so much emotion. Take a bow. Bravo JC Buendia!

    ReplyDelete

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