Local apparel brand Collezione C2 recently hired designer JC Buendia to update the look of its merchandise mix that consists mainly of polo shirts and casual tops for men and women. Buendia replaced Noel Crisostomo who took over from Rhett Eala.
Eala is credited for giving the decades old brand a much-needed boost with his polo shirt design that incorporated an embroidered map of the Philippines above the heart. The design became even more popular when President Aquino used the collared shirts extensively during his electoral campaign in 2009.
“The one thing that sets Collezione apart from other apparel brands is the fact that it is wholly Filipino owned. I want to build on that and at the same time capture the millennial market,” Buendia told Inquirer Lifestyle.
One of his main duties as design head is to come out with 20 new designs monthly. His first collection, however, will only be available in stores in September.

READ: JC Buendia Is Now the New Designer For a Local Brand
“The long turnaround time is because the company makes its own fabrics. In fact, I’m coming out with a line that uses material that wicks perspiration away from the body,” Buendia said. “The wearer thus ends up more comfortable.”
Buendia is known for his elegant, made to measure formal wear but he says Filipinos prefer more casual looks.
Incidentally, this is not his first time to do retail. “I designed one season for Kashieca.” The casual women’s apparel brand is owned by businessman Ben Chan.
For his first collection for Collezione C2, Buendia plans to roll out tops with details like embroidered flowers and religious symbols although not necessarily on the same shirt. He is optimistic these designs will appeal to many Filipinos.
“I’m also going to be coming out with a limited edition line for men and women that will be sold only at the Rockwell and Greenbelt branches of Collezione C2,” he said. The leisure and travel range will come in wrinkle-resistant fabrics like jersey.