Off the Runway
Avant-garde designer Sassa Jimenez says it’s empowering to be a contemporary artist who makes women shine through bold, fun and polished pieces
Sassa Jimenez is attracting the fashion limelight with her bold and fun designs
Nothing else empowers fashion designer Sassa Jimenez more than making women look and feel exceptional through the help of her colourful and enigmatic pieces. Her style, which she describes as “feminine mixed with comfortable everyday pieces”, has been channelled in the works she has done through the years.
The 34-year-old artist is no stranger to the glitz and glamour on the runway. Her designs have been featured in several magazines and events across the Philippines; in 2009, she was selected as one of the presenters at the country’s mostanticipated, bi-annual Philippine Fashion Week.
In an interview with Tatler, Jimenez shares how her love for fashion blossomed and what keeps her inspired when she is off the runway. “I started when I was about 19. It wasn’t until I was in design school that I fell in love with fashion design” she shares.
Her parents Abby and Ramon “Monet” Jimenez are both prominent in their respective industries. Abby is the chairperson of Publicis JimenezBasic advertising agency; Ramon is a former Tourism Secretary.
Despite coming from different career paths, Jimenez reveals that her parents have always been supportive of her goals in life.
“I was very lucky to have parents that were not only supportive but very encouraging of me taking up fashion design in an art school,” says Jimenez. “They knew it was something I loved so they did not want me to think twice about it. My family and friends were always in complete attendance at every event, every fashion show—this gave me more reason to keep going.”
The young designer earned her fashion degree at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California where she graduated cum laude. “I felt like being around other students that were also interested in fashion inspired me to really pour myself into it. I had very passionate and inspiring teachers in school that really made me want to do well in my career.
When asked what she loves most about fashion, Jimenez says that she enjoys its “fast-paced” and “diverse” culture.
In her free time, Jimenez likes to watch different genres of movies and series. She also loves being in the presence of other creatives so she could keep her creative juices flowing.
“I like to experience new things. Even if it means just watching movies and reading books that I do not usually choose. I also love talking to other creatives. This activity allows me to pick their brains and see things from a unique perspective,” she discloses.
“I try to take long walks as much as I can and I pursue other hobbies like cooking and drawing so I don’t get burnt out,” she adds.
In many of her interviews, Jimenez made it clear that her designs pay homage to women. “For me, the most challenging part of designing is making sure that my work has a very clear and focused message.”
Jimenez takes pride in being an empowered woman. She says that this enables her to tailor pieces that fit the needs and wants of her clients. “Being a woman who designs for other women keeps me informed about my clients’ wants and needs,” she says.
In the coming weeks, the designer says that she has something in store for her staunch clients and supporters. “There are definitely a few projects lined up until the end of the year. My new collection is coming up in three weeks.”
Jimenez advises budding artist and designers to do what she loves when working on her craft. “Listen to your instincts and have fun.”