IN THE first-ever Stellar Mindanao Fashion Design Competition, Wilson Limon successfully got the nod of four judges who are famous names in the fashion industry.
Out of 10 competing young designers, the 24-year-old designer from Davao City emerged as the champion of the event organized by the Davao Fashion Design Council (DFDC).
What could have made him take home the much-coveted trophy designed by world-renowned jewelry and furniture designer Ann Pamintuan? What could have possibly made Style and Design Academy chief executive officer Cathy Binag, Mega Creative Director Suki Salvador, Couture Designer Cary Santiago and Asia's Most Influential Designer during the Mercedes Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week Avel Bacudio fall in love with his designs?
Fashion Nook had the chance to talk to this fashion designer from Davao City. Read on to know more about him and his winning pieces.
While he admitted that standing in front of the four fashion design icons during the pre-judging was "nerve-wracking," he chose to hold onto his confidence, which had him feel much happier when they expressed their appreciation of his designs.
According to him, that was already a winning moment. In fact, he even considered it as the "most overwhelming award" he had ever received.
When asked for his thoughts on the possible reason for his win, Wilson had this to say, "I can say that incorporating the true identity of the T'boli tribe was the strongest feature of my collection. I was able to make a contemporary rendition of their traditional ensemble without compromising their aesthetic."
Describing his master pieces at the competition, he said that "The idea of breaking barriers brought me into using the T'nalak's pattern and embellishment on contemporary ensemble such as denim, cut meticulously on a gender bending numbers. I [had] incorporated my signature custom-made digitalized pattern and the T'boli's traditional stitching technique."
"The marriage of ideas resulted into much more comfortable pieces for both male and female where they can work and play without sacrificing style," he noted.
So, I asked him to share his inspiration for coming out with such designs and his answer might just get you more interested of the designer behind the sophisticated pieces on the runway.
"The sole inspiration of my collection is redefining the world where race, ethnicity and most importantly, gender are no longer the basis of intellect and progress, but a celebration. This collection highlights on T'boli's artistry and the strength of diversity as we hopefully live in a Genderless world," he explained.
After making history during the 1st Stellar Mindanao Fashion Design Competition and after bringing home the P50,000 cash prize, Wilson has committed to continue his advocacy.
"Winning Stellar will open more doors for me. It will help me establish my brand (NiƱofranco) and support my cause in helping the livelihood of the ethno linguistic groups in Mindanao," he said.
Aside from cash and trophy, Wilson also got the chance to enjoy Business Incubation and Mentorship by DFDC as the first winner of the tilt.
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