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Biadoma’s origami cropped top in white cotton twill, and grommets-and-snaps-embellished shift dress

Origami cropped top, draped convertible oversized smocked pinafore dress with gothic cross embellishment, and bubble skirt, by Jeremiah Biadoma

To be You picks out some standout pieces from the collections of graduating students of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s fashion design program.

EXPERIMENTATION

Jeremiah Biadoma’s graduation collection is all about experimentation and innovation. His pleated creations are inspired by Japanese origami.

“My origami pieces were inspired by the disco ball and the [odd] feeling of melancholy [some of us feel] whenever we attend a party,” he said.

Biadoma admits to difficulty in creating the collection, but he’s proud of his accomplishment.

“I realized, through this process, that we tend to improve [in our craft] as we translate our ideas into reality,” he added.

“I dream of showcasing my works in a museum, and for people to actually support young Filipino designers by buying their works and designs,” Biadoma said.

Low V-neck top with puffed sleeves in Thai silk, paired with empire-waist skirt in jacquard fabric with belts, by Trixia Louise J. Velasco

Strength

Trixia Louise J. Velasco created a low V-neck top with puffed sleeves in Thai silk, paired with empire-waist skirt in jacquard fabric; it incorporates belts in the design.

Her collection is derived from the feeling of being stuck in a situation and being limited. Velasco said, “I translated that into garments in clean, tailored silhouettes, but featured belts to signify strength.”

She added, “I used to think that leather belts are just accessories to clothing. But belts can be incorporated into a design, not to restrict the movement of the woman wearing the dress, but as an integral part of her artistic expression. It depicts her strength.”

Asymmetrical top with a front and back manipulation paired with a trumpet pants

MINIMALISM

Janine Valdez’s collection was inspired by the late eminent architect Zaha Hadid’s work—that of the Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan.

Each piece mimics the asymmetrical silhouette of the center, formed by the fluid geometry of water in motion. She said she hopes she was able to create impactful work through her minimalist design.

“I learned that in everything that we do, patience is the only armor that can save you,” Valdez said. “The experience is more valuable than the result.”

Photography Mark Neto Diaz
Styling Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup and Hairstyle Theresa Padin
Model Alaiza Malinao