I remember the first time I learned how to sketch. I was
copying the figures from my paper dolls (the Sex Bomb dancers were quite famous
at that time) on a Grade One pad and it was also the first time my sister told
me that I could be a designer if I wanted to.
I wanted to, but I didn’t push through. For the same
reason why everyone else does things they don’t exactly want to. It’s the
practical way to go. So I went on to college but I didn’t forget.
I got into the University of the Philippines-Visayas,
initially took up BS Compputer Science but shifted to BA Communication and
Media Studies. I got into various organizations and now, I am the president of
UP Modus.
The
most fabulous org ever.
UP Modus fosters young talent from designing, modeling,
hair & make-up, photography and show production. It was a way for me to get
in touch with a side of myself I have almost forgotten. I got screened, passed
and became one of their designers.
(Honestly, I think
it was really because of my last name and my medyo far out blood relation to a
famous fashion designer. But I have to give my skills some credit as well. I
know. Haha!)
I remember my first fashion show, Fashion’s Night Out:
Sweet Escape. That escalated quite quickly. Yes! At the innocent age of 17, I produced my own 10-piece collection. I am both proud and embarrassed by that.
Proud, because my sense of self-awareness developed by 3 feet and embarrassed
by the arrogance I didn’t know I had. I was arrogant enough to say yes. Some
would say it was confidence, or YOLO, but I was waaaaaaay too unskilled for
that ginormous feat. But I did it anyway.
I put all my resources together: called up my relatives
and told them I was planning on producing a collection, googled a LOT of topics
and used my charm and charisma to get through life. I was clueless on sewing
speak. I was shaking while measuring my models’ crotches and chests. My designs
were reckless and frankly, quite crammed. But it was a beautiful disaster. It
really was.
I remember sewing on the last buttons a few hours before
the show starts and my seamstress calling me to say that she has not started on
my 10th piece yet. I remember the overflowing curses I said that
afternoon and I remember how my legs shook as I ran to find a cab. I remember
hanging all my ten outfits on a rack and waiting for the show to start. I
remember telling myself to not forget: the rush, the bliss.
I remember the glorious moment when I was watching my
designs on the runway. I also remember the moment I walked down the runway,
hearing the appreciation from the audience. I remember partying my feet out
that night, and not remembering the last few hours.
Now, I’m in my fourth year and another installment of Fashion’s Night Out is happening on April 18.
I may not be designing but a new batch of designers is. I hope they remember
this, too. I hope they remember the time they stood up for their dreams; the
dreams that have been waiting on the sidelines. I hope they remember this as
the time when their dreams—didn’t have to wait.
See you all on April 18 at La Tolda Plazuela!
Like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UPModus to get more updates
(photos by Karla Magsipoc, poster by Nicolo Doplayna)
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