BEING open to criticism is something that many people struggle with. Criticisms are often a hard pill to swallow, and sometimes the very reason why people stop pursuing their dreams. However, this was not the case for 24-year-old Rhyan C. Orillo.
Rhyan was born in Dolo, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, but is currently based in Davao City. He recently completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Fashion Design, at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) in July 2024. Pursuing a career in fashion design was no easy feat for him, as he had to juggle work and school responsibilities.
He shared that he received plenty of criticism for pursuing a career in fashion, but he believes that achieving one’s goals is never an easy journey. The road may be challenging, but believing in oneself is key to success, and each challenge serves as an opportunity to grow stronger.
“There will be moments of doubt, but trust that each step forward is progress. Your passion, resilience, and determination will carry you through. Keep your eyes on the goal, and know that every obstacle you overcome brings you one step closer to making your dreams a reality,” he said.
Like many aspiring designers, Rhyan also struggled financially. Fashion design is an expensive profession, and he admitted that there were times when he doubted whether he could achieve his dreams.
“Despite the difficulties, I always found ways to keep pursuing my dreams, even when things were tough,” he said.
While studying, Rhyan was mentored by renowned fashion designer Jun Artajo and Master Cutter Roberto Artajo. He expressed that this mentorship was a significant opportunity, as their work closely aligned with his degree, shaping him into the designer he is today.
Currently, Rhyan continues to work at the same shop while exploring and navigating his way through the fashion industry. He still finds it hard to believe that he was able to pursue this career, especially when it all started with his teacher in high school recognizing his potential and encouraging him to join a dressmaking competition.
What sets Rhyan's designs apart are their unique cutouts, patchwork, patterns, silhouettes, and fabric manipulation. He is still in the process of discovering his signature style and refining the design aesthetics that distinguish him from other designers.
Some of Rhyan's notable accomplishments include his designs featured on the first-ever Bisaya reality show, BSDK DOSE, where one of the participants, Arquilian Agustin, wore his outfit during an episode. He also participated in Kawankawan: The Davao Region Weaving Congress, a collaboration between the Davao Fashion Design Council (DFDC) headed by Emi-Alexander Englis and PWC fashion students to create three pieces incorporating Mindanao weaving textiles. Rhyan C. Orillo
Additionally, he represented PWC at the 2022 Philippine Textile Congress Fixx Fashion Exhibition at the PTRI Tela Gallery in Taguig City. In 2018, Rhyan was crowned champion in the Habi Kadayawan Fashion Accessory Design Competition in the student category.
Rhyan's passion for fashion goes beyond the glitz and glamour. He has used his craft to give back to communities, such as the Samahan ng May Iba’t-ibang Kakayahan sa Davao. In collaboration with this group, he was able to produce his ten-piece collection which was hailed as the Best Collection during his Graduation Fashion Show.
Looking ahead, Rhyan hopes to establish his own fashion brand and label. He dreams of showcasing his work not just on the local stage but also internationally. RGP