Sunday, November 27, 2011

BTS: Lee National Denim Day

As I’ve mentioned before, Lee Jeans-Philippines got some students from the Lee Style Armies Philippine Fashion Week S/S 2011 to help them with their PFW S/S 2012 fashion show as stylists/designers, and work as mentors for the new batch of student-designers. Though it’s been a month since Lee National Denim Day, I admit, I’m still not over the whole experience. I completely had a fantastic time working with everyone, even though it’s already my third PFW with the same team. Each day was pretty hectic and keeping up with my school and other work assignments became a struggle; nonetheless, I found myself more motivated. I loved every aspect of it because I got to work with something that I am passionate about, and I got to do it with some of the smartest, most skilled, and most fun people I’ve ever met! :)

Warning: This is a photo-heavy post!

Lee’s current worldwide campaign is called The City is Mine. “The campaign aims to encourage everyone to explore, enjoy, and experience everything their city has to offer and liberate and nurture their passions in the process.” In line with this, they selected 12 young designers from some of the country’s best schools who set the stage for the Lee National Denim Day competition last October 28.

Ms. Kytes (I call her Mommy Kytes sometimes), one of Lee’s head designers, knows how much I love shoes. I assume that’s the reason why she gave me the task to source for shoes with my co-stylist, Kara, at Resorts World!

Kara and I finished our work in less than an hour. We ate at Stackers and watched No Other Woman thereafter. Haha!

Everyone’s busy looking for styling pegs, as well as finding the right colors and fabrics for their designs, among other things.

Each student-designer was required to create an audacious yet wearable two-piece collection inspired by the cities of New York, Tokyo, Manila, London, Paris, and Australia. To be fair, the student-designers and and student-stylists drew lots. I got New York and mentored Jumbo Guevara of DLS-CSB and Ronn Wong of UST.

During the first few weeks, we talked to the student-designers from the University of San Carlos-Cebu through Skype! Lee flew them to Manila two weeks before the competition.

Sourcing for materials can be a daunting task, but everything seems so much easier when you do it with your creative friends. :)

Fitting is essential because you have to make sure everything stays in place; it’s the best time to see which clothes and accessories look good on the models, to see how the models walk, to see how the fabric moves, and so on.

The day before the final show, prominent people in the fashion industry like Daryl Chang, Kiko Escora, Joey Espino, Rosario Herrera, Jerome Lorico, and Bang Pineda pre-judged the designs of the students at the SMX Convention Center.

They asked the students to discuss their inspirations and their designs.

With stylists/designers Margaux, Roy and Mark in the corner, listening to what the students had to say. We all felt their nervousness!

We had another fitting a few days before the show. Daryl Chang, Preview’s Fashion Editor, was our head stylist.

Notice the body chain? I made it for Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup’s outfit. :) Thanks to Kara for helping me!

There were a total of 8 stylists and we were given the responsibility to work on several themes/segments, including Urban Rider, LA, 70s, Preppy, Splice, 101 and Diamond Cut (Hipster Party). Earl Semitara, one of Lee’s head designers, assigned me to handle Diamond Cut, the brand’s most innovative denim jeans. I was so ecstatic because the collection is SO ME! I wasn’t allowed to modify the jeans, but I got to design the tops, the jacket and I got to make the accessories! I will create a separate blog entry for the runway photos of my segment. :)

All packed for the fashion show!

We worked for a little over a month. Our work place is located in Makati, and it’s quite far from where I live; so after my finals, I decided to sleep there for a week. Almost everyone did the same!

Zoey illustrated the 8 stylists/former Lee Style Armies! I think it’s pretty obvious that I’m the third person because of the pose, the style, and the height. Haha! We’re cooking up something very exciting (not related to the brand), and I can’t wait for the day when I can finally spill the beans!

I always find myself laughing my ass off with Kara. We’re like brain twins! She took up Fashion Design and Merchandising in CSB and recently got featured in Meg Magazine’s Young Designers to Watch for list. :)

With Candy model Kim Chanpongco

The power of having fun at work should never be underestimated. We’re more energetic and productive if we’re having fun… it’s just the way we’re wired. Buying 7-Eleven’s merchandise was one of our stress relievers - it’s walking distance from our work place! Ja of UP-Diliman (a close friend of mine) and Josei of USC-Cebu (my new-found friend) kept us very amused!

I actually celebrated my 21st birthday with them at Izakaya! It was definitely a good break from work! <3

Press features and fashion week tickets

The big day finally came!

Photos of models backstage. At that time, it was getting pretty chaotic and everyone was feeling the adrenaline rush!

Channel [V] VJ Kevin Cisco hosted the event

Of course, I just had to take a photo with Philippine Azkals’ center back, Anton Del Rosario. We had a little chat about football (since I used to play the sport) and his niece, who happens to be a good friend of mine! *Kilig* He modeled for the Urban Rider and 101 collections.

The show was a success! Thanks to all those who came and supported the event. A big fat CONGRATULATIONS to Josei of USC-Cebu for winning the 2011 Student Design Competition, to Ayi of UST for winning second place, and to my mentee Jumbo of DLS-CSB for winning third place and the YKK Special Award!

Thanks to Rj, Cha, Pau and Kara for some of the photos!

Related post: Lee: Photo Booth Abuse