First Things First
For Blue Marble’s springsummer 2022 collection, designer Anthony Alvarez digs deep into his Filipino roots
Despite growing up in New York, Blue Marble founder and designer Anthony Alvarez is deeply bonded to his Filipino roots; this is evident in the locally inspired pieces he successfully brings to the fashion runways of Paris. In his latest spring-summer 2022 collection, Alvarez incorporated in his work the nostalgic beauty of Manila and the liberating scenery of Siargao.
The spring-summer 2022 invitation, with images of a Seventies love bus and a Mindanaoan vinta
boat, is inspired by the Filipino culture he has pictured through the words of his grandmother.
“Growing up in New York, my grandma used to tell me stories recounting her flower-child souvenirs of Manila, the legendary love bus and this bohemian lifestyle,” Alvarez tells Tatler.
“I had this idea of a celebration for the collection and the love bus was just the perfect symbol. I want to take people with me and enable them to travel through the collection. This idea of a voyage is omnipresent in my collections,” he describes.
This season’s collection also brought the waves of Siargao to Paris. The surf culture and the laid-back vibe of the place were incorporated into the trompe l’oeil
trousers. Meanwhile, the t-shirts were made of textured beachwearinspired terrycloth. “Being a surfer myself and loving to exchange with locals, Siargao is an oasis of inspiration to me,” he says.
The designer adds that Siargao embodies a big chunk of his personality. “In an environment where all elements are awakened, Siargao reflects who I am and what I value: a mix of tradition, laid back optimism and an inherent freedom through differences.”
Alvarez prides himself for having been able to celebrate Filipino pride through his artistry. “I had so much fun designing this collection with lots of colours, positivity and memories that brought back a lot of happiness,” he says. “Going back to my Filipino roots was truly revitalising and I believe that it can really be seen through the colours and materials of the collection.”
Blue Marble’s pieces are also made with locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, things that Alvarez value the most. “Sustainability is very important to me. Although we could not say that Blue Marble is 100 per cent sustainable as a brand, it is of great importance to me to reduce our environmental impact every season,” he explains.
“In this collection, we used several natural and traditional Filipino fabrics and accessories: coconut buttons for our shirts, inabel weave by indigenous people and some recycled fabric,” he describes.
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in the early months of 2020, Alvarez realised how hard it was for his creativity to thrive due to the restrictions and life-changing requirements brought by the pandemic; luckily, his passion for fashion and Filipino pride motivated him enough to create new and exciting pieces.
“After more than a year of restrictions and sorrow due to the epidemic, this collection represented a way for me to celebrate my deep love for life through the emergence of colours, traditions and freedom,” he says.
In the coming days, Blue Marble seeks to create more fashionforward pieces that celebrate Alvarez’ Filipino roots and artistic journey. “Our vision as we collectively move forward is to keep sharing and celebrating life. Blue Marble will continue the voyage with passion and love.”