HEAVENLY BODIES
In reverence to the old masters of art, Cherry Samuya Veric creates a celestial collection celebrating renaissance frescoes and old world cathedrals
In the small town of Ibajay, Aklan, the sun sets as the light breeze grazes the palm tree-lined rural roads. The community props up their wooden saints adorned only with the best of costumes beaded to perfection for the procession of the faithful, a Catholic tradition every holy week in the Philippines. There, a wide-eyed Cherry Samuya Veric finds himself awestruck with the grandeur of it all. “It was the closest thing that I could ever get to a runway show,” he remembers. “I was drawn especially to Mary Magdalene whose bottle of perfume in her hand and long flowing veil were sources of endless fascination to me. For a simple boy from the province, it was my introduction to a foreign world of fantasy and beauty.” For Cherry, fashion was his destiny.
His interests have always led him to beautiful fabric and the idea of dressing the body. He was never one to be an expert at arithmetic or an avid fan of politics, but when he touches fabric, he is ignited and there he starts his process of creation. Taking up Fine Arts back in college, he considers these four years as the best foundation for a fashion designer. “I see design as art form above all. The combination of my study of art and fashion has ultimately created a niche market for myself in the industry,” he says. “People find my work attractive because they see in it some kind of an art form. My pieces always strive to become objects of beauty.” His favorite part of design is seeing his idea come into completion as a full garment. For him, it’s literally making his dreams come true. From sewing the first bead to creating a full collection that is coherent and distinctive, Cherry relishes every moment of his design process. The cherry on top of it all is the vision of each piece that satisfies not only the wearer, but also the people around her. For him, each of his design must have a strong presence. Overall impact and reverence to the design is what Cherry lives for.
"DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR ART. BE BRAVE. LISTEN TO YOUR HEART. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS"
The result of all of these is a creation that is the very definition of maximalism and show-stopping design. The regalia of the embellishments, richness of fabrics and forms is easily balanced with the perfect proportions and fit. Each piece is a special piece created for women who are not afraid to stand out, much like Tessa Prieto-Valdes who has become one of his biggest supporters. “She first saw me when I competed for Project Runway Philippines and instantly saw my potential. Since then, she has been instrumental in promoting my work to a wider audience. She would come to my shows, be the first to buy my pieces, and introduce me to her circle of friends,” he points out. Her other muse, he mentions, is his mother who has always been an inspiration to him, starting his fascination with women’s fashion.
In his latest collection, he honors the old masters of Renaissance art. From full ball gowns to chic pantsuits and dresses, he uses digitally printed fabrics of Renaissance frescoes and paired these with delicate lace, sheer, and embellishments. His love for art is clearly seen in the collection, but most importantly, each piece can be a pièce de résistance while easily melding into a cohesive collection of a grand scale.
Today, Cherry Samuya Veric flies around the world to showcase his artistry. From Asia, Africa to Europe, and America, he has garnered the applause of the whole fashion world. It is in this journey where he finds himself most grateful, seeing a brighter future for him and his atelier. It is in this journey where he realizes that he will always be in search of artistic inspiration and beauty. And it is in this journey where he finds the words he will forever live by: “Do not compromise your art. Be brave. Listen to your heart. Follow your dreams.”