In this four-part series, we meet emerging Asian designers who are championing accessibility, inclusivity and femininity, and looking to make a positive change through fashion. In part three, we get to know Filipino designer Mark Bumgarner, whose glamorous gowns celebrate women’s beauty
Mark Bumgarner loves to showcase femininity. The Filipino fashion designer—who’s dressed the likes of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey and Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai—is best known for his meticulous detailing and love of drapery. In fact, he calls it his signature look.
“It’s an age-old technique in fashion design that continuously evolves,” Bumgarner says. “Understanding the nature and movement of a fabric, as well as how it complements the body, is a crucial aspect of the art of draping.”
In many of his designs—whether for bridal or evening wear— Bumgarner makes the female form the focus, emphasising the waist and elongating the body with flowing elements.
Take, for example, the looks he designed for Wurtzbach-Jauncy and Filipino actress Kylie Verzosa’s recent looks at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, regarded by Bumgarner as some of his proudest achievements to date: the former’s elegant black corset dress with balloon sleeves and the latter’s dramatic black balloon skirt adorned with feathers. Bumgarner likes to play with proportions, and his fans are here for it.
He takes inspiration, too, from his experiences of the world.
“I draw inspiration primarily from my travels,” he tells Tatler. “It’s exciting to see the distinct trends and perceptions of beauty [that come] from each place I get to visit. Travelling not only opens my eyes to the world’s vast beauty and style, but it also fuels my passion to explore and create.”
