How do fashion iconoclasts form their personal styles?
In our new video series called “Serving You Style and Substance,” we look for the answer to that question by getting to know a couple of bold Filipino creatives with idiosyncratic styles. From their influences to the narratives that they choose to explore, our guests tell us a bit about how they grew into themselves and found their artistic sensibilities. Who knows? Maybe they’ll inspire you to be unapologetically you.
In our first episode, we had a chat with Cebu-based model and designer Lukresia, who you may know as @thirdworldbb on Instagram. After modeling for designers like Carl Jan Cruz and creating Mugler-esque homemade looks, they have built a following in local fashion circles. We had a chat about drag, their favorite fashion pieces, stylish movie characters, and more.
Watch the full episode below.
Hungry for more? Here are snippets from our conversation that didn’t make it in the show.
Who do you consider your closest creative collaborator?
It would have to be Cebu-based designer Robert Andrew Hiyas. We come from the same school and program. They also read my tarot cards.
My favorite project with him was for one of his collections after graduation. I wore this bodysuit with a mask. Very Margiela-ish but still very Robert. I got to [be acrobatic with my] poses. Love it.
What are some of your favorite collections by a Filipino designer?
I liked the message of Robert Andrew Hiyas’ graduate collection which was about the Pulse nightclub. Then, there’s Rod Malanao’s newest collection [called “Knit Studies 2021”] which is sexy, fun, and colorful. Pop!
Who are your favorite Asian supermodels?
There’s two actually. Anna Bayle is the OG. She’s worked for Azzedine Alaïa, Christian Lacroix, and Yves Saint Laurent. Then, Kimora Lee Simmons for the attitude and the glamour of it all.
Who’s the most underrated fashionable person, real or fictional?
It would have to be Malena. She’s a fictional character from the movie of the same name. She was played by Monica Belluci and she wore fabulously tailored dresses. With the Sicilian setting, the film was just fabulous.
Which film has the best costume design?
It would have to be “Moulin Rouge” with Nicole Kidman. [Her costumes had] intricate beadwork. The film had “Orientalism,” let’s just say that. But if we talk about costumes, it’s wonderful.
What’s the last art piece or performance that moved you?
It would have to be Marina Abramovic[‘s “The Artist Is Present.”] She was seated two or three meters away and a person would sit across her and just stare. Watching it during quarantine, [I had] a whole new perception towards it. It definitely moved me.
Who do you consider incredibly original?
Grace Jones. She paved the way. Not only is she multi-talented, she’s also unapologetic. She embodies everything that I aspire to be. I can only wish!
What’s the factor that an art piece or a garment has to have for you to connect with it?
There has to be a story. A lot of people right now try to be different for the sake of being different. It’s lackluster, if you ask me. There has to be something [that’s] deeply rooted [in you] within whatever you present out there. It’s a bonus if people feel connected to it.
Produced by Amrie Cruz
Header art and video by Neal Alday
Art by Pammy Orlina