Chris Diaz rocks and rolls with his grunge collection
In his 13th year in the industry, Chris Diaz talks about his lasting power through a collection rooted in love and rebellion
In recent years, we have witnessed a volatile movement of brands and their head designers. What once were thriving businesses now closed have their doors. Zac Posen’s eponymous label recently closed because of downward projections on sales as well as high operation and supply costs. On the other hand, we also see the rise of the insta-luxury brands such as Jacquemus and Orseund Iris who have been dressing the best fashion girls in the industry and have created It pieces all of use salivate for. But what does it really take to capture a fashion market and get them all behind you with every collection you put out? For Chris Diaz, surviving the dog-eat-dog world of fashion is all about knowing who you are as a designer, enjoying the creative process and most importantly keeping the best company who lifts you up every time.
The clear visioned Chris Diaz we see today didn’t start with the same certainty he has now. “Fashion design has always been my first love but when I was younger I was torn between realistic career paths and my art,” he shares. With structural career paths, where working for a multinational company, becoming a doctor or a lawyer, are sure money earners, Chris was understandably distraught. But it was a fateful week in high school that made him fully believe his destiny to design clothes. He created three looks for his classmates for prom with no knowledge of design and even sewing clothes. Through collaboration with his then seamstress, they created beautiful looks that was praised by his teacher, who commented, “Chris, you are destined for success with this uplifting talent you have.” From then on, Chris had an eagle eye focus in achieving his fashion design dreams.
“FASHION DESIGN HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY FIRST LOVE BUT WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I WAS TORN BETWEEN REALISTIC CAREER PATHS ART” AND MY
Diaz found his voice and anyone who sees his creations would instantly know that it is a Chris Diaz creation. Intricate embellishment combined with cool everyday wear has always been a signature for Diaz. Imagine a fully utilitarian jumpsuit accented with black floral embroidery, a sure stand out. For Diaz it’s all about aligning his vision to whatever his client’s want. And this collaboration made him a success and beloved by Filipino fashionphiles.
When he creates collections he always starts with a specific idea or an identity from art and history. For this season he found inspiration in Edward VIII who later became King Edward of the British empire. The royal, of course, notoriously abdicated the throne to marry his lover, the divorcée Wallis Simpson. Romance, royalty and rebellion were translated into bold colors and plaids, while strong silhouettes and embellishments added modernity and that distinct Chris Diaz touch.
Diaz describes his growth in the industry with a certain kind of poetry: “From a constipated Galliano aesthete as a newbie, to an ultra feminine romantic and embellished vision, I consider myself now a more diverse designer. I now create boy-meets-girl pieces with accoutrements to match as well as separates with lightness, but always keeping my love for decoration and roots intact.” Diaz’s success and lasting power in the industry has always been thanks to knowing full well who he is as a designer and knowing that his only competition is himself. Bettering himself in every collection guarantees himself an even brighter future, one we are all excited to see.