This year’s Sinulid, the highly successful annual culminating showcase of the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) students of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, has discovered promising designers who could shake up the fashion scene.
They have the makings of style innovators who could delve into unchartered creative processes or who could weave experiences and emotions into modish ensembles. Stylist Andre Chang, with FDM chairperson Olivia Lopez and mentors Diana Katigbak, Nela San Jose, Jinggay Serag, Nicole Luna and Ionica Abrahan Lim, formed the jury.
The six trailblazers who showed noteworthy skills and craftsmanship in their debut collections:
Nica Rosecill Alvarez
Nica Rosecill Alvarez
Surface Design Award—Adapt
She gave new perspectives to established procedures and did a distinctive technical and visual exploration of the textile process. In Adapt, she proposed a sustainable and long-term answer to one of the most common challenges of parents: children quickly growing out of their clothes. Designed out of microfiber, cotton, stretch linen and soft twill, each piece features intricate hand pleating and gathering techniques that allow the garment to adjust its length and size to fit children through the years.
Fritz Maui Vilrick Cruz
From Masqued Collection by Fritz Maui Vilrick Cruz
From Masqued Collection by Fritz Maui Vilrick Cruz
Fritz Maui Vilrick Cruz
Fashion Innovation Award—Masqued
He challenged the possibilities of texture and form in Masqued. Like a visionary, he played around the exquisite combination of genuine and veg tan tooling leather, aluminum metal, and lustrous fabrics such as taffeta and Lycra lamé. He explored manipulation techniques such as molding, sculpting, and leather and metal fabrication—to make all hard surfaces seem fluid.
Ziv Rei Alexi Damian
From Sigaw na Pabulong Collection by Ziv Rei Alexi Damian
From Sigaw na Pabulong Collection by Ziv Rei Alexi Damian
Ziv Rei Alexi Damian
Design Concept Award—Sigaw na Pabulong
He embodied one’s desire for independence in Sigaw na Pabulong. The artist utilized the elegant union of Mikado silk, duchess satin, gazar, Japanese cotton, and gems to give shape to the emotions brought about by the state of stagnation, the loss of one’s ability to follow the subconscious, and the cry for freedom from external influences.
Clio De Leon
From Facets Collection by Clio De Leon
From Facets Collection by Clio De Leon
Clio De Leon
Brand Concept Award—Facets
She has a knack for turning creative designs into a strong brand narrative. Motivated by an interesting fusion of inspirations and perspectives, she presented her Facets collection as a tale of exciting adventures and life detours told through intricate quilting, beadwork, appliqué, and hand-painting.
Xandro Miguel Antonio Guyjoco
From Buffoonery Collection by Xandro Miguel Antonio Guyjoco
From Buffoonery Collection by Xandro Miguel Antonio Guyjoco
Xandro Miguel Antonio Guyjoco
Digital Portfolio Award—Buffoonery
He demonstrated a fresh outlook in point of view and processes. A study on the passion and purpose of the self, Buffoonery featured old denims upcycled with patchworks, paintings, and stuffing to depict the maker’s love for the art.
Maria Louise Rongavilla
From The Great Escape Collection by Maria Louise Rongavilla
From The Great Escape Collection by Maria Louise Rongavilla
Maria Louise Rongavilla
Emerging Creative Talent—The Great Escape
She explored innovative concepts to make way for thought-provoking, fashion-forward and directional ensembles. The Great Escape was inspired by the 1930 piece Liebesleid (Love’s Sorrow) by notable violinist and composer Fritz Kreisler. The overwhelming transition of sentiments and explorations in one’s journey of breaking free is evident in the series’ interesting blend of color and texture of printed Japanese cotton, twill, tweed, friendship bracelets, beads, and yarn.
