Since winning the Philippine Young Designers Competition and the Concours International des Jeunes Createurs de Mode in Paris, both in 1998, and playing his role as a mentor in “Project Runway Philippines,” Jojie Lloren’s rise to prominence has been unstoppable.
He has continued to serve the fashion industry as president of the Young Designers Guild and the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines.
In spite of the bright lights, Jojie still returns to what he loves to do the most—designing. His sculpted and precisely cut clothes are a play on volumes, shapes and patterns.
The same flair can still be seen in his designs for the more relaxed Jill and Luna lines at Rustan’s. His holiday collection is a mix of comfortable separates such as pants, leggings, skirts and wrap dresses and easy after-six frocks.
Lloren describes this collection as an eclectic mix of prints from all over the world, and this is precisely what you’ll see—a riot of playful patterns in tribal and ikat as well as paisleys and chevrons in monochromatic or multicolor hues.
The same keen eye for good quality is evident in his personal preferences. His choice of products only highlight Lloren’s simple understated style, in stark contrast to his colorful creations.
Collaborating with Rustan’s labels Jill and Luna excites me because… designing two labels of the country’s foremost luxury department store is very challenging. I’ve been learning a lot ever since I joined them.
A fabric I’m fixated on now is… rayon fabrics and jerseys (for Jill and Luna) because they drape so well.
My favorite color palette for the season is… jewel colors. They bring to mind fragrant spices and opulence.
If there is one valuable lesson I’ve learned as a “Project Runway” mentor, it’s… how very hard it is to become one of the contestants.
The best and worst thing about being a mentor to “Project Runway” contestants is… becoming friends with the contestants; the worst is having to instantly think of how to criticize their work constructively.
If I could collaborate with another designer abroad it would have to be… Cristobal Balenciaga, if he were still alive today, because of his mastery of patterns.
The fashion accessories I have the most of are … shoes. Sneakers by Converse, Adidas, Fred Perry, APC, Paul Smith; oxfords and loafers by Church’s, Helmut Lang, Prada, Florsheim, Paul Smith, Gucci and Sergio Rossi.
The skincare products that I have the most of are … moisturizers. Hydrothermal Deep Wrinkle Serum and Eye Cream by Strivectin; Immortelle by L’Occitane; Night Serum by Skin Doctors; Total Effects by Olay; Morocco Argan Oil; Physiogel by Stiefel; Moisturizing Cream by Cetaphil.
The bath products I’ve been loyal to for ages are… Colgate toothpaste, Johnson & Johnson dental floss and Neutrogena soap.
The perfumes I have on my dresser right now are… Artemisia and Limes by Penhaligon; Vetiver by Lanvin; Aqua and Aqua Toniq by Bulgari; Mandragore by Annick Goutal; Blue Lavender and Mucchio Bianco by Appa Kappa; and Terre de Hermès.
Top tip
If you’re a fan of fragrances like Jojie Lloren, it’s important to know these important tips from Michelle Asence-Fontelera, fragrance expert:
Choose a scent that will suit your body chemistry. Spray it on your wrist and let it linger for about 30 minutes, then see how it reacts with your skin and how it appeals to your olfactory sense. Opt for a mild and fresh scent since it is compatible with most body chemistries; avoid overpowering scents.
Feel free to try different scents. Citrus fragrances are great for daytime use, while musky ones are recommended for night wear. Women nowadays prefer mild scents on men.
For men—to smell different from the others, try combining fragrances. Citrus and musk are a good pair. This will surely give off the kind of scent that women will remember.
Perfumes are availale at Rustan’s department store. Jill and Luna are available in Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, Alabang, Gateway and Ayala Center Cebu.
