A NEW breed of fashion designers from the University of San Carlos’ School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design (Safad) - Fashion Design Program presented its collections at its graduation fashion show. Last May 5, “Apotheosis” was held at Seda Ayala Center Cebu.
Lesly Zenith L. Meñoza’s graduation thesis, “The Application of Stitch-and-Slash Technique for a Sand Ripple inspired Fall/Winter Outerwear Collection,” won first place for Best in Thesis. This felt surreal to Meñoza, knowing the her collection was appreciated wholeheartedly.
“A lot of hard work was put into writing the thesis manuscript and the sewing of the collection,” shared Meñoza, adding that it was inspired by the sand ripple and its color, with the use of gabardine as the main material that was stitched-and-slashed to create texture.
Historical references were incorporated given her interest in history, specifically in historical costumes. “My family often spends our bonding time going to the beach. I think that helped in creating the concept of the collection.” Through all that, comfort, to her, is key. “I want them to feel good and look good in what they wear.”
Winning second place was Minori Osada, whose graduation thesis titled “The Manipulation of Square Twist Origami Tessellation Technique for an Islamic-Geometric inspired Couture Collection,” conveyed a message encouraging other artists to explore various forms to further highlight each and everyone’s culture.
“I was inspired by the beauty and complexity of Islamic art. Their aesthetic is unique and distinct from other art forms. Choosing art from a different culture as a basis for a collection inspired me to explore their ethics and principles as well,” said Osada.
Cleoza Anna Paula Q. Dominguez’s graduation thesis, “The Creation of Archivolts inspired from Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 for an Avant Garde Collection,” won third place; a topic that stemmed from the constant search of lines, shapes and illusions from a building, until stumbling upon arches for an inspiration.
“I thought of using a fusible felon material to support upon the erection of the embellishment called the Archivolt shape technique. For my fabrics, I chose a metallic bronze Japan two-toned fabric and a black light mikado. The fibers of these fabrics are strong enough to hold stitches upon attaching the Archivolt shapes,” shared Dominguez.
A special award called Environmental Revolution Award was given to Arjay Baguio, whose graduation thesis was called “The Utilization of Polycarbonate Plastic as an Alternative Tessera Embellishment for a Byzantine Mosaic inspired Demi-Couture.”
Completing the list of graduates this year were Gillian Faye Lechoco, Gabrielle Anne Bantolinao, Glizza Marie Armamento, Aitana Grace Pacheco, Renzo Miguel Medida, Kent Clirt Villamero, Ericka Subingsubing, Christine Joy Tanzo, Eufran Padios, Mackerwin Nuevo, Rene Sisbreño, Michelle Ellaine Mate, Rica Cleo Salahid, Karen Deidree Cantay, Rey Ian Martin Alisaca, Maria Josefa Labra and Richelle Mae Adarna.
Year after year, promising talents emerge. Although the designs come in different forms and styles, in the end, audiences get a glimpse of a designer’s vision come to life. More than a way of self-expression, a designer’s collection is his or her crowning moment.