Understanding fashion in the future reimagined

Local designers share insights about the industry’s now normal

by Althea Kalalo / September 25, 2020

 

Fashion designers all over the world must have a renewed perspective in approaching their craft. As the now normal continuously pushes fashion into uncharted territory, designers must relearn and reimagine their industry.

To give insights on how the pandemic has transformed them as designers, Adrian Pe, Chynna Mamawal, Jean Alta, and Patty Ang share stories of their experiences in the now normal. They detail the impact of COVID-19 on the fashion industry, the challenges they have experienced, and the lessons they have learned.

Having firsthand experience

Designer Adrian Pe is also a full-time operating room (OR) nurse in Iloilo. As a member of the healthcare industry, Adrian understands the challenges that come with being a frontliner. The pandemic weighs heavily on everyone, but frontliners bear the great responsibility of doing their best to care for COVID-19 patients and helping Filipinos curb the spread of the virus.

“I know the burden and anxiety that my fellow frontliners are feeling. I came up with colorful PPEs to protect them and help them feel at ease, and to show that we can lean on each other,” he shared.

For Adrian, supporting one another and imbibing the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan are important factors in surviving this pandemic. “Bayanihan is one of our best practices we have as Filipinos. As we face this crisis, Filipinos have become stronger and more united,” he said. “And local fashion designers are helping not just the Filipinos in the country, but also the Filipinos in different parts of the world.”

Adrian also believes that this pandemic is a call for humanity to help one another, and fashion designers can do this by creating PPEs that express their creativity and keep Filipinos safe. “It’s great to see my fellow fashion designers using their craft and pouring their passion into protective gear that help flatten the curve,” he shared. “It has been quite sometime now that I’ve been a fashion designer, but half of my heart will always be a healthcare provider.”

Seeing the bigger picture

Being a medical frontliner isn’t the only way to understand the impact of the pandemic, especially because all of the country’s industries are affected. As the fashion industry lends a helping hand to Filipinos, it demonstrates how it cares for more than just aesthetics.

For designer Jean Alta, this has always been the case. “Fashion does not exist in a vacuum, and the role of fashion can’t be contained solely within the aesthetic of a piece, or the designer’s want for self-expression. Fashion is also concerned with function and comfort,” she said.

Furthermore, the country’s current health crisis shows the interconnectedness of each industry. This helps Jean pay more attention to everything happening around her and learn more about what her craft contributes to society.

“I used to be unaware and oblivious to some of the country’s issues. Now, I understand the importance of knowing what’s happening around you,” she said. “Seeing how the fashion industry can help fellow Filipinos across different industries, the idea that we’re all interconnected has more of an impact on me now.”

As Jean continues to create masks and PPEs, she soldiers on with a renewed appreciation for her industry. “This pandemic proves that the fashion industry has endless opportunities when it comes to making a difference. It also proves that we shouldn’t just live for ourselves; rather, we Filipinos should lend each other our strengths and help one another.”

Adapting by changing directions

There’s no one definitive answer on how designers can successfully navigate the now normal, but there’s one important step to figuring it out – and that’s being able to step back and rethink one’s plans. This is exactly what designer Patty Ang decided to do at the start of the pandemic.

“Initially, we suspended all operations and held back projects that were planned out for the whole year. While my team and I tackled how we can extend help to others during the lockdown, we also had time to reflect on what we lack and can improve on as a company,” Patty shared.

With continuous research and open communication within her team, Patty was able to create a protective clothing capsule collection composed of functional pieces with a touch of her personal style. For Patty, doing this was a matter of figuring out how she can adapt to the now normal without losing her identity as a designer.

“Right now, other fashion designers and I are creating more protective and functional pieces. I hope with my efforts and the efforts that other designers are putting in, we are able to send a message to Filipinos that we are here to help, and that we can move forward,” Patty said.

Patty also believes that she continues to survive because of the help of everyone around her. “The first few months were the scariest, but it gave us time to think of our long-term goals. I now realize how thankful I am that we survived and are still surviving because of the continuous support and trust of our friends and clientele.”

Keep yourself updated on the general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) guidelines.

Breaking out of the comfort zone

Even with the creative ways designers are adapting to surviving, it’s undeniable that some of their dreams were put on hold. This is something Chynna Mamawal also had to do, but Chynna is still thankful that the challenges of the now normal continue to teach her lessons that will be useful even after the pandemic is over.

“I never imagined myself working closely with doctors or making clothes that are somewhat similar to streetwear, but I learned that we should know how to embrace change,” she said. “I also learned to be more sensitive when it comes to my clients’ needs, which is why I thought of making PPEs in the first place.”

Chynna had the opportunity to create PPEs under the initiative of the Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo. This helped Chynna learn not just about how to sustain her business during a pandemic, but also about what truly drives her to create now normal essentials.

“I get so excited every time I have to design PPEs because I know that it’s not just about business; it’s about helping Filipinos,” she said. “At the same time, I also want to help our sewers, which is one of the reasons why I’m doing my very best right now.”

Despite her most difficult year as a designer yet, Chynna feels a deep sense of fulfillment from her work, making all the challenges worth it. “I can’t allow myself not to help knowing that Filipinos are having a difficult time. My role in this situation is to make PPEs and masks, and I find that it’s a win-win situation because I get to keep my business alive while helping the country.”

Taking the next step

The stories of Adrian, Jean, Chynna, and Patty demonstrate the resilience, creativity, and drive of local fashion designers. With everything happening in these uncertain times, they remain hopeful for the fashion industry, as well as for those who want to become designers in the future.

For Chynna, aspiring designers must be prepared for what going for their dreams entail. “It’s very important for fashion designers to be versatile and know how to adapt,” she said. “Also, you have to put your heart and soul into what you do. Experience things for yourself, seek a good mentor, and surround yourself with people who push you to do better.”

Adrian echoes these sentiments. “Sometimes, being a fashion designer seems like a heavy cross to bear. The road may get rocky, but what matters is how you express your creativity through your pieces. Remember to pay attention to those who support your craft, as they are the secret to your success!”

On the other hand, Patty shares advice on the journey designers have to take. “Take the time to reflect and to learn continuously. Allow yourself to fail, but don’t let disappointments hold you back,” she said. Finally, Jean shares a timely reminder on remembering our country. “Let us use our skills and talent to serve our fellow Filipinos. We should use our gifts to make the world a better place,” she shared.

The now normal is demanding, and sometimes daunting, but it’s something that the fashion industry faces with a lot of hope. Ultimately it is this hope, as well as their unity and perseverance, that will help both current and aspiring fashion designers learn from today’s times and emerge with a renewed strength.

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