Cover Chris Nick, a fashion designer renowned for pieces that showcase chic retro elegance, elevates Filipino fashion to the global runway (Photo: Wesley Villarica)
Chris Nick, a fashion designer renowned for pieces that showcase chic retro elegance, elevates Filipino fashion to the global runway (Photo: Wesley Villarica)
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Six months after launching his brand in 2019, Chris Nick’s work was featured on magazine covers and in three fashion shows. Here are five things to know about the fashion designer who has a penchant for using a jet-black palette
Chris Nick Delos Reyes, known simply as Chris Nick, is making waves in the fashion industry with his distinctive designs that seamlessly blend masculine and feminine elements.
Launching his career immediately after graduating college, Delos Reyes introduced his eponymous brand and quickly made a name for himself. His designs, marked by luxurious fabrics, romantic silhouettes and a jet-black palette have already dressed a long list of celebrities, establishing him as a notable name in the Philippine fashion circuit.
Read more: Behind the seams: 8 emerging Filipino fashion designers
Thanks to his dedication to elevating Filipino fashion, he has earned a spot on the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024. From the inspiration behind his aesthetic to his aspirations beyond fashion, here are some fun facts about this promising fashion designer.
Collaborating with luxury brand names
Delos Reyes began his fashion career only five years ago at the age of 25 and has since displayed his works on global runways.
Only six months after launching his brand in 2019, his work graced 11 magazine covers and appeared in three fashion shows. His biggest achievement thus far is his debut at the Los Angeles Fashion Week in the US. He showcased his collection inspired by ’90s minimalism and grunge, with a highlight on his signature tailoring and butterfly sleeves.
He has also collaborated with brands such as Bally and Prada.
Read more: A day in the life of Filipino fashion designer Chris Nick
Embracing his colour blindness
“One can never go wrong with the colour black”, Delos Reyes says of his fashion belief. His designs are predominantly black, a choice influenced by his colour vision deficiency. “I never initially wanted to be a designer—also because I’m quite colourblind. Hence all of my work is mostly black,” he explains.
Read more: What went down at the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024 launch in Manila
Chris Nick’s Angels
Delos Reyes’ celebrity muses, whom he fondly calls his “Angels”, are individuals who embody both a distinctive style and the right attitude.
His muses are a close-knit group that Delos Reyes likens to a family, supporting each other through their shared love for fashion. The Angels donning his designs on and off the runway include internet personalities Sam Panlilio, Nikki Huang, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.
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Inspired by the golden era of Hollywood
Delos Reyes draws significant inspiration from films, particularly those from the golden era of Hollywood. He says he has a deep appreciation for movies, photography, music and art from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and his preference for luxurious fabrics and romantic silhouettes reflects this.
Films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, High Society and Love in the Afternoon are just some of his favourite titles. On-screen icons such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe frequently appear on his mood boards.
Read more: 11 cult classic queer movies to watch this Pride Month and beyond
Foodie at heart
Outside of fashion, Delos Reyes has a deep passion for food and dreams of venturing into the restaurant business.
“I’ve been big on food ever since I was young. Nothing’s better than a fabulous meal on a white tablecloth and a martini in a dark room,” he says. Though it’s a future aspiration, his love for culinary experiences is a significant part of his life.
Meet more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024 in Fashion and Beauty.
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
