IN “FACE-OFF: A Cut Above the Rest,” Inquirer Lifestyle To Be You (2BU) showcased the original works of students from four fashion and design schools in the metro—Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, SoFA Design Institute, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP).
Held last November at SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall, the event offered a glimpse into this generation’s brand of innovation and creativity. Meet the second half of the designers of FIP.
Kylie Griego
Kylie Griego is a 2014 fashion design graduate. His piece, which took a week to create, was inspired by a mix of ’90s Jean Paul Gaultier and Manish Arora’s vibrant colors. Among all his intricate works, he favors the gold crop top with ostrich feather accents.
Making clothes for himself as well as his friends is something Kylie has always loved doing. Seeing his friends happy with his work gives him satisfaction and inspiration to continue working in the field he enjoys the most. He believes that you should “always love what you do and put your heart in everything you create.”
Bernard Espinosa Escalona
A 2014 graduate, Bernard Espinosa Escalona married traditional bridal embellishments with a sportswear silhouette. He used materials such as honeycomb organza and neoprene, and took around a week to construct the pieces. Meanwhile, the embellishments, such as his favorite 3-D florals, took Bernard a month to finish.
Bernard sees himself as an evening wear designer, so it was a challenge creating a streetwear piece for 2BU FaceOff. The pressure of representing his school pushed him to think outside the box, away from what he is usually more inclined to do.
The thought of transforming another person’s dream into a full-on fashion piece is the reason he loves being in this industry. Bernard hopes to one day open his own shop and become an established wedding designer.
Photography Maika Anthoni
Sittings editor Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup and hairstyle Mico Dacanay
Model Alaiza Malinao of Mercator Model Management
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