MINIMALIST, FEMININE, EXPERIMENTAL—FASHION THATEMPOWERS
The best of College of St. Benilde’s fashion design graduation collections
Khirsten Anabeza realized that fashion is not as easy as she thought after creating a collection inspired by minimalist sculptures.
“The biggest challenge was accepting criticism from experienced designers,” said the fashion design student. “I doubted my skills as a designer. But I kept working hard, followed my schedule and, above all, believed in myself.”
A navy blue wide-leg jumpsuit made of breathable cotton was one of the standout pieces from the graduation collection of Maria Katrina Coronel. It was inspired, she said, by “the beautiful colors of Morocco.”
Each piece in her collection is reminiscent of summer, with its relaxed and feminine styling.
Coronel said that her collection helped her find her identity and style as a designer. It allowed her to experiment: “It helped keep my eyes and mind open to new ideas, to be aware of my brand. It taught mehow to tell mystory through the collection.”
Regina Aquino grew up seeing fashion through her stylish mother. “I love how fashion can empower you, and how style reflects one’s personality,” she said.
Aquino’s ensemble consists of a silk-screened organdy skirt of Mikado fabric, paired with an organdy top with drawstring detail on the shoulders. She was drawn to the contrast of fluid shapes and hard material of Martha Sturdy’s sculptures.
“I find it beautiful how a brass sculpture ages,” Aquino said. “I have carried the concept through the use of experimental shapes and clean lines.”
Trusting the process
“One thing I learned from creating my collection is to trust the process,” said Dianne Concepcion. “Every suggestion from our mentors really helped and it made us work harder.”
Her two-piece suit with leather closures and cuffs is versatile—it can be worn with a bandeau or pretty much anything. It can also be acces- sorized with her tan leather body harness for a different vibe.
Concepcion’s collection was inspired by the ’90s movie “Leon: The Professional” that starred Natalie Portman.
Maxine Mayo’s collection was inspired by the colors and shapes of flowers. “I experimented with fabric techniques to create the 3D flowers,” she said.
It was a trial-and-error process before she was satisfied with the colors and designs. “I have learned that I can achieve anything as long as I am patient and truly passionate in what I do,”
she said.