FROM DOCTOR TO DESIGNER
JOEY SAMSON followed his dreams to the fashion industry, and developed a point of view that has served him well
“Breaking boundaries without compromising my beliefs is the big dream that I want to achieve.”
Joey Samson had graduated with a BS Biology degree in De la Salle University in Cavite when, to the surprise of his parents, he decided to switch track to fashion design. Meant to be a doctor, in many ways his contribution to the Red Charity Gala as one of its featured designers is another way of him performing a duty for his country, just as he would have been doing if he decided to continue to the path of medicine. “Charity should be a selfless act of giving back. It should come naturally for a person regardless of one’s financial capabilities and social status,” he says. “Charity for whatever purpose, means or reason must be done sincerely without expecting anything in return.”
When asked to do the 2017 show, he reacted with surprise. “I had this impression that the designers featured at the ball were mostly what the general public perceived what a designer should be,” he says. “I thought they wanted designers with a very specific style and look: formal wear and long gowns.” Joey knew that his aesthetic was very different from those previously selected, and while he recovered from the initial shock, he remained conflicted. “Of course it gave me tremendous joy to be able to showcase my designs but I also felt a bit uncertain whether or not my aesthetic will be accepted and appreciated,” he says. In the end, sticking to his guts and producing a collection that was faithful to his perception of making a garment proved to be a success.
Joey says he feels proud and honored to do this year’s show with his industry colleagues, knowing that being part of the gala is a privilege for any designer. “This is the first time that the gala opted for a group show. And this puts a different pressure on me because I get to share it with other designers as well,” he says.
“It is exciting, exhilarating but most of all it is a very humbling experience because we get to share our talents for a great cause.”
As a young designer, Joey had never imagined he would be part of a big production like this but has always dreamed big with what he could do with his talent. “Our society has always encouraged people to be big dreamers regardless of what profession they are in,” he says. “We have our idols or mentors to remind us that dreaming should have no limits. And we aspire to be like them or become better than them.” The prevailing image of fashion designers is that they all seem to behave like people out of touch with real life, but Joey keeps his feet firmly on the ground and doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight for this special occasion.
“I do not mind getting a small share of the pie. What matters to me most is that I stay true to myself,” he says. “Breaking boundaries without compromising my beliefs is the big dream that I want to achieve.”
In planning ahead for a big production like the Red Charity Gala, Joey knows that being strategic with his work process is the way to go. He is, after all, a man whose job will go beyond the show. “I prioritize without compromise. Meaning, I make it a point that my clients are catered to without sacrificing the work needed to put in for the show,” he says. “Proper management of time, people, and energy is the key.”
In working with Tessa and Kaye, Joey mentions his respect and admiration for the two women. “Their commitment to hosting and organizing this big event for so long has always inspired me,” he says. Over the years, this commitment has also inspired him to think about what a meaningful life means for him. The number one priority for Joey is finding contentment over mundane things that make life meaningful. “If you share joy with the people around you and find peace in the things you do, then you have a life well-lived,” he says. -SSR