NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Withstanding life’s gloomy inclinations, young designer John Pelarlar makes sure nobody rains on his parade
Plastic is fantastic with John Pe Larlar’s collection
Much can be said about climate change; how humans keep throwing the planet more and more into a woebegone state everyday—melting glaciers in the polar region, Venice being flooded by the highest tide in more than 50 years, and in our own country just a few months ago, three ferry boats capsized off Panay with 31 people found lifeless due to the unpredictability of the weather.
The series of unfortunate events has led young designer from Iloilo, John Pe Larlar to create art in the face of adversity. “I’m a second child, born and raised in a simple family, living in Lambunao. I finished my bachelor’s degree in fashion at Iloilo Science and Technology University two years ago,” John shares. He recently showcased his collection at Manila Fashion Festival with models in highshine patent leather creations exuding effortless ferocity—easily making him a crowd favorite. On what made him use the unconventional weather-proof fabric, he reveals that it was from a tragic event recently in Panay. “A boat was capsized and people on it were enclosed by the tarp that made their escape impossible to do. It triggered me to make clothing that gives protection during the rainy season. So, what I did was incorporate unconventional materials to my designs.”
This isn’t just your typical Noah’s Ark redemption story. It’s a tale of tragedy to triumph not caused by massive floods, but by the grit and passion of a young artist—a vessel that the young designer rides upon, more than two years in the making.
“I’M VERY OBSERVANT OF WHAT IS AROUND ME. EVEN SIMPLE THINGS, I SEE BEYOND THAT, GET THAT INSPIRATION AND INCORPORATE IT TO MY DESIGNS”