Two decades full of dreams
Francis Libiran celebrates 20 years of fashion and purpose
“Sometimes I believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast,” says Alice
in the Tim Burton film Alice in Wonderland. But for the eight-year-old self of fashion designer Francis Libiran, those impossible things could be found at the back of his notebook—his illustrations of dreams. “It all started when I was a kid. My mind keeps on thinking,” he says. “I guess when I think or visualize something, it’s very animated in my head.”
For two decades, the designer has been living a life full wonders,
bringing to life creations that caught the attention of many Filipinos and even the stars of Hollywood, such as mogul and former supermodel Tyra
Banks, and actors Darren Criss and Mena Massoud.
This time, the designer invites everyone to his dreamland as he celebrates his life in fashion and his purpose. Happening on Dec. 2 at City of Dreams in Pasay City, “Dare to Dream Francis Libiran, Celebrating 20 Years of Fashion and Purpose” will be a night of music and style as Francis will showcase a 50-piece collection inspired by natural wonders, culture, and craftsmanship of the Philippines.
On that night, he will be joined by the students—enrolled at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, his alma mater—whom he personally mentored.
Sharing more of his dreams come true, Francis sits down with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle as he talks about his two-decade experience of designing clothes, his journey on finding love, and his purpose in life.
What prompted you to become a designer?
The passion for clothes started when I was looking at how my mom would dress up. I guess my mom played a big role. She always asked me if the clothes looked good on her, and I was happy to give her my opinions. Of course, I’d hide it from my dad then because he would kill me. Back then, I would hide inside my closet with a flashlight and I would just sketch, and after sketching I would just put it under my bed. Tinatago ko siya (I would hide it.)
What’s your family’s role in your 20year journey as a designer?
My mom and dad have been very supportive. My dad is a businessman and I would call him up in the US. My dad would always ask about the business. He tells me to not work too hard, and not to trust just anyone. I mean, I’m so grateful to have my mom being a creative person and dad being strict with business. I consider myself lucky for having those pillars in my life.
How do you usually start your design process?
Usually, I would lock myself in a room. For me, it’s very sacred. I need that clean slate all the time when I design something. I need to be away from distractions. I just want a quiet space when I just have my pencil, sharpener, and my materials. For me, it’s the start of something creative. I’m transported to a place where I can feel like I’m the only one there and it’s my world and I can do whatever I want. I’m very particular about that space.
If I don’t feel it, designing is nothing. I should feel it.
What does it take for a Filipino designer to go beyond the local fashion scene?
I guess it starts with your mindset. You should think that whatever you’re doing, it’s not just for the Philippines, but for you to show the world that you can do it. Your thinking should be limitless, that you could conquer the world with your design. I remember when I was small and I would see designs in magazines, I would say, I can do this better. That mindset helped me a lot in pushing my limits.
Of the things you have done, what is your favorite?
Right now, I’m so particular about our sun from our flag. I’ve used it for the SEA Games but I’m also going to use it on the national costume of Michelle Dee for Miss World.
Your 20th anniversary celebration, it’s all about purpose. What is your purpose?
Part of the proceeds for this fashion show would go to 75 children from Sitio Kabuhuan in Rodriguez, Rizal, in partnership with Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, Inc. through the “Bless A Child Project.” Every December, we quietly do an outreach program there. That’s our advocacy. I said to my business partner, Arsi Baltazar, we had enough and what can we do about it? So instead of me throwing a party or a dinner for friends, I want to give the money to an orphanage or anything related to kids. We drove to Antipolo one night and something stuck in my head: the feeling of giving where no amount of money can replace it. It’s something big for me, the feeling of seeing those abandoned kids in the crib and when they see you, they would raise their hands and just want to be carried. I want that feeling all the time.
Why did you choose children as your beneficiary?
I’m so lucky that my parents provided for me. As a kid, all the convenience in life, they gave to me. Love begins at home when they’re kids. For me, that’s where we should start, and not when they’re old.
What would make you give up designing?
I guess I’ll be designing until the day I die. It’s a ritual for me already so I can’t imagine myself giving-up something that I truly want. It is already part of me. This is Francis Libiran. I can’t give up who I am or else I’ll be lost.
What can we expect from ‘Dare to Dream’ and from your next 20 years in the business?
Twenty years is a milestone for me. My business partner and I want to create something that has never been done before. So we have partnered with people who are very dedicated when it comes to their dreams, four artists:
KZ Tandingan, Erik Santos, Iñigo Pascual, Rachelle Ann Go.
and
Their stories have inspired me because they are all living their dreams as well. I want something that’s very hip and young. And for the next 20 years, I’m still going to design more beautiful clothes and create a diffusion line, which is more retail and accessible to a lot of people.
‘I’ll be designing until the day I die. It’s a ritual for me already so I can’t imagine myself giving up something that I truly want. It is already part of me. This is Francis Libiran. I can’t give up who I am or else I’ll be lost.’