MANILA, Philippines - In the immortal words of Heidi Klum, “In fashion, one day you’re in, and the next you’re out.” A week before we get to say auf Wiedersehen to two of the top three finalists, the fourth season of Project Runway Philippines is set to announce the next #SEWLEGIT Filipino designer this Sunday at 7 p.m. on cable television channel ETC.
YStyle caught up with the final three designers, a week before the season finale airs; young designer Celine Borromeo from Cebu City, Joy Chicano from Eastern Samar and Jared Servano from Koronadal.
Celine Borromeo rose through the ranks of the competition with her feminine yet wearable approach to design. Celine says to expect her signature “femininity and glamour,” taking cues from the aesthetic codes of the 1950’s. The audience can expect a line of ready-to-wear evening dresses for her final presentation.
Avant-gardist Joy Chicano made waves with his directional approach to garment construction; his design DNA is influenced with a strong Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Joy’s unique point of view has made him a favorite among the judges, commending his ability to stay true to himself and his vision. “The title of my collection is ‘Make Art, Not War” it’s a mix of garments with an emphasis on pattern play.”
For his final collection, Jared Servano contemporized the design codes of the indigenous B’laan tribe from Southern Mindanao. His aesthetic brings local culture to the runway with a modern take that reflect the traditions of his hometown. His dedication to showcasing local artistry and his ability to transform them into modern silhouettes has earned him praise from the judges.
Judging the final runway are supermodel and fashion icon Tweetie De-Leon Gonzalez, A-list designer Rajo Laurel, and fashion and beauty expert Apples Aberin. Joining them as special guest judge is internationally renowned Filipino designer Josie Natori.
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The winning designer and the winning model of Project Runway Philippines Season 4 will receive spreads in Mega Magazine, P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Aivee Institute and P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Face Shop. The winning designer will receive P250,000 to help him start his own line as well as P250,000 from Brother International. The winning designer will also get a chance to showcase his or her collection in the Manila Fashion Festival this October.
YStyle sat down for a quick chat with Tweetie, Rajo and design mentor Jojie Lloren.
YSTYLE: What qualities are you looking to find in the next winner of Project Runway Philippines?
Jojie Lloren: A brilliant career, for him or her.
Tweetie De-Leon Gonzalez: Newness. I’m looking for something new they could offer to the market.
Rajo Laurel: Hope. Essentially, I want the next winner of Project Runway Philippines to be the sort of person who could inspire the next generation of young designers.
In this day and age of the Internet, our industry is driven by speed and hype, what qualities should a young designer possess to be able to cut through the noise? Which matters more, technical skill or good taste?
TG: It’s a combination of technical skill and good taste, because you’ll never make it in this industry if you don’t have a good grasp of both. Hype can only get you so far, but if you don’t have the technical skill to back it up – the market might not respond.
RL: In order to rise above the noise, a designer, I feel, needs to be authentic. Pure is the word that comes to mind.
Do you guys have any favorites to win?
TG: That’s something you’ll have to find out, tune in on Sunday!
