Randolf Clothing

What was your inspiration for your new collection?

I was inspired by the idea of being lost. When developing a collection, I always have a soundtrack or a particular movie where I get inspiration. For this collection, I was inspired by the movie Frank (and its soundtrack), Napoleon Dynamite, the song Lost in The World by Kanye and M83’s Soon My Friend. It took me more than five months to finally develop this collection, because I myself was also lost. (Laughs)

What were your references when you were conceptualizing this collection?

I always look at the ’50s and ’80s for reference because I’ve always seen those two eras as exciting and revolutionary. Some of my main references were the rebels during the ’50s and the punks of the’80s. Tattoos, deconstruction and rebellion were the main ideas for this collection. Can you tell us about this season’s man and woman?

He is someone who is more open to experimenting. I think this season, it’s all about opening up to possibilities and trying things you’ve always wanted to do but were afraid to do.

How is your new collection similar or different from your last collection?

This collection is somehow a continuation of the previous one. First Crash, our previous collection, is about that feeling of “firsts” — crushes, loves and heartbreaks. This collection (“Hero, He Rows”) is basically about finding that inner hero in yourself and learning that the only person who can save yourself is yourself. In terms of designs and prints, some of the pieces in this collection are tweaked styles from previous ones. How do you describe the local fashion in today’s youth culture? Local fashion today is more curious and accepting of independent brands. What do you think is your contribution to the fashion industry?

There is a new wave of designers and brands in the country now and I think my best contribution, as a ready-to-wear designer, is being a part of that group of designers who focus on ready to wear. The local industry is embracing us and I think it’s a big step. Who among the local designers do you look up to, and why?

Veluz is one of the designers who has an eye that a simple imperfection cannot escape, and I love that about her. I look up to her because she has that balance of creativity, technicality and business-mindedness. She’s also started a particular trend among bridal designers here in the country. I’ve always thought all wedding gowns look the same and never paid much attention until I saw her works.

I’ve been a fan of Mich Dulce since high school, both her clothing line and band Death by Tampon. I think she’s one of those designers that really fight for what she likes and believes in. I look up to her because I also want to make it outside the country, and she is the perfect peg for that.

Proudrace. I think this brand is probably one of the reasons why independent ready-towear brands are being accepted by the industry today. Also, their clothes are always effortlessly cool; whatever they give, we accept. (Laughs) Pat and Rik have shown me that indie streetwear brands can make it here and abroad.

Gian Romano. One of the things I like about brands/designers is when you don’t have to ask who made them because it has an identity that’s memorable. Gian has that. He does punk here like no one can. How do you see your brand in the next five years? I want to have stockists here and abroad. I want Randolf to grow and provide jobs. Be stable.