Student designer on the rise: Gavin Ruffy’s flair for drama
Still an undergraduate, he’s already making clothes that are never boring
By Maureen Manuel
ART-DECO, 1920s-inspired look by Gavin Ruffy
If you are a fashion design student, normally, you are more inclined to create fantasy-theme designs, boundary-breaking ideas or avant-garde looks.
Many wait for their graduation year to create designs. But Gavin Ruffy doesn’t follow the norm that his generation is accustomed to. He went with his gut feel and spent his free time creating RTW.
Quirky and unexpected
Gavin loves drama, which should explain why his designs are classic, yet injected with something very quirky and unexpected. One example is what he designed for his sister’s debut party. The ’20s style is usually characterized by drop-waist skirts and draping, but instead he used feathers to make it sexier, and helped his sister own the night.
He is inspired by photographs when he makes clothes.
Asked who is his favorite designer, this 21-year-old student said, “I love Ricardo Tisci of Givenchy. I love the way he uses details, and I love the silhouettes.”
Aside from designing, he is also interested in styling clothes. “I love mixing and matching clothes. I want to work in a field that is related to design. I can’t see myself working in a corporation. I want to design, and I love fashion.” He also dreams of having his own brand.
Angled, curved lines
ELBOW-LENGTH body-con dress by Gavin Ruffy, nude pumps from
Forever 21
Looking at his clothes set up in front of me, I knew he was set to explode with designs that are not for the faint of heart. Definitely not your hit-and-miss student.
His Art Deco, 1920s-inspired look, an embellished sheer top paired with a feathered body-con skirt, would attract women in their 20s and early 30s because of the sexy appeal without baring too much skin.
Another is the knee-high dress, angular, to celebrate a woman’s body. It is something a woman would aspire to wear, no matter her age. He has married youthfulness and luxury without being dull and boring.
“My style is sexy in a subtle way that emphasizes the form of the body,” Gavin said.
He is someone to watch out for. He has the knack to create body lines and drama. He can use this knack to advantage, or to delve into other styles and experiment.
Photography Adrian Gonzales
Stylist Maureen Manuel
Makeup Justine del Rosario
Hair Jandra Babiera
Model Catriona of IM Modeling
Location Library at Henry Sy Hall,
De La Salle University
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Tags: 2bu , Art Deco , drama , Fantasy-Theme , fashion design , Gavin Ruffy , Givenchy
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