From
a childhood dream to finally living the life of a renowned fashion designer,
Jesus Lloren tells us about his journey to success.
Lloren’s
designs, known for the perfect marriage of minimalism and sophistication,
started out as paper dolls and doodles.
“Sometime in Grade 5, I started reading
fashion articles in the papers, clipping them and making my own drawings. I
proudly showed them to my classmates and friends, but dreaded my parents seeing
them,” he recalls.
Apparently,
his parents expected him to continue the legacy of his father who was an
accountant. Lloren tried to meet his parents’ expectations – they compromised
and he ended up taking up B.S. Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Later,
however, he realized that the fashion industry is indeed his true calling and
thus, he mustered enough courage to shift to B.S. Clothing Technology in U.P.
Diliman.
After
earning a degree, Jesus first worked with Elite Garments, then for top designer
Christian Espiritu. Later he found enough determination and skills to put up
his own business, and here the designer admits that it was not easy to make a
reputation in the fashion industry. As a beginner, his clients were very few
and there were times when he felt strong envy towards the lavish lifestyle of
friends.
Lloren
had his big break in 1998 when he won the Philippine Young
Designers Competition and Concours
International des Jeunes Createurs in Paris. The abaca bodice that resembles a
refined shiny armour became his winning piece, which also earned him a
scholarship at the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de La Couture Parisienne touted as the
alma mater of leading fashion designers such as Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent,
Issey Miyake, and Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani.
His
experiences and learning in Paris further honed his aesthetic vision and
prepared him for making a trademark in the mainstream local fashion. Upon
returning to his homeland, Lloren quickly established a reputation as a
highly-skilled designer who is able to craft seemingly simple yet technically
intricate designs. It was also around that time when he was nominated to head
both the Young Designers Guild and the Fashion Design Council of the
Philippines.
Heading
two fashion associations gave him bigger responsibilities but such roles helped
him build industry connections and friendships. He learned valuable lessons
which he willing shares with students enrolled in fashion schools: Forget
establishing a business right after graduation: “Work with a company or
companies first in order to learn the trade. You will know where your strength,
your interests, your market or your vision lie.”
After
working with an established company or name, “then, you are well-prepared to
run a business. Learn more, work more. Passion goes hand in hand with
discipline and determination” he added. True enough, the sweet fruit of
Lloren’s labor is now evident but he just continues to discover more things and
move forward.
Clearly,
crafting clothes with timeless beauty has always been the designer’s
philosophy, so when asked about where all his unique design concepts are coming
from, he shared that he finds inspiration almost everywhere; depression and
loneliness even. And this will be evident in the pieces that will be showcased
in the upcoming Red Charity Gala.
Organized
by society icon Tessa Prieto-Valdes and philanthropist Kaye Tinga, the Red Charity
Gala on October 18 will feature the immaculate workmanship of Jesus Lloren to
raise funds for the Philippine Red Cross and Assumption High School Batch 1981
Foundation. It will be a 40-piece collection highlighting both architectural
and soft and airy pieces inspired by Filipino paintings. “There'll be a lot of
handwork. Some will have historical references,” Jesus explains.
Putting true Filipino artistry on the
spotlight for a cause is perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences for a
designer who has this keen eye for artistic quality, precision, and style. From
paper dolls and doodles, Lloren now proudly brings Filipino design to a global
level.
The
Red Charity Gala show is directed by Ariel Lozada, fashion styling by Noel
Manapat, and hair and make-up by Patrick Rosas.
The
show is presented by Downy and Sunlife, supported by Bench, Megaworld, Makati
Shangri-la, and Lifestyle Asia. Special thanks to Robert Blancaflor Group, Rustans,
Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star.
For
inquiries and reservations, contact Maggie Gineta at 0917-8325570 or visit www.
redcharitygala.com