CREATIVITY AMIDST THE PANDEMIC 

There is no doubt that Filipino creativity shines through in many ways. But in these unprecedented times, how does it manifest?

The designers first talked about how tastes have changed during the pandemic.  "At this uncomfortable time, people are really looking for comfort," Patty Ang observed. 

Vania agreed. As a wedding designer, she's also noted that the gowns she's created in the past few months have become less grandiose. 

"Personally, I answer to the sensibility of the times," Dennis put in. "People right now see the simplicity of life. My designs are geared in that direction: comfort and being calm and at peace." 

Because the pandemic has been a tumultuous experience for many, the designers' creations needed to heed to the proper context. But slowly, as the economy springs back to life, what is evident is this: life goes on. 

"What changes is appropriateness," Rajo said. "But life does go on, and in fact, I think fashion right now is even made more meaningful [because of it]." 

Throughout the discussion, there had been a palpable sense of drive among the five designers. To them, it was important to create and in that way, to survive. 

"It is during this dark time wherein creatives create more," Mark Bumgarner observed. "We are more introspective, more thoughtful, more creative." 

Of course, all of such is delivered through a new medium and it's — you guessed it — online. As one of the senior designers, Rajo said that he had been taking time to embrace the current technology, utilising the tools available for him. He spoke on his first online fashion show with Robby Carmona and even noted that the pandemic seemed to be helping the international community come together. "Globally, we are all on the same level now," he said, referring to the state of the pandemic in a worldwide context. "It opens the playing field because people are not just looking at their own backyards anymore. [They are starting to realise the talent] in places such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and of course, Manila." 

All five of them also revealed that they were dipping their toes in other endeavours. Aside from upcoming holiday collections, most of the designers had also revealed plans for a furniture line. Rajo Laurel is launching Rajo Home on the first week of November with everything from placemats and napkins to bar cabinets. Mark has also created wallpapers and furnishings set to launch at the end of the month. Meanwhile, Vania, who is currently pregnant with twins, spoke on her upcoming line of nursery accessories set to drop in 2021. 

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

All in all, the pandemic seems to have been a great learning experience for the five of them. Dennis has said that he's been taking time to learn about e-commerce, which certainly seems to be the way of the future, even after things have calmed down. 

Mark, who's been open about his sources of inspiration, has learned to innovate within the constraints of the times. "[Before], I used to say travelling [was my inspiration] but now we can't do that. So it's travelling and the women we dress." 

As industry veterans and successful artists, the five also had some advice for young designers. In a time such as this, breaking into any industry is difficult. Their two cents? "Study, experiment, be curious, persevere. Don't think of fame, think of the work," Dennis said. 

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Rajo's own tip may resonate well with many young people. At a time when seemingly everything has been put on hold, he advised: "Don't be in a hurry, take your time." The designer expounded, saying that young designers have much more freedom to create. "When you're a starting designer, your only happiness is yourself. So your take time and harness this happiness and use that energy to dream and to create beautiful things because that only happens once — when you're a young designer." 

If there's something to glean from this episode of Tatler Talks, it's that fashion runs deeper than just what you throw on in a single day. There's an entire ecosystem and economy behind the clothes you wear, or the shoes you choose. For many, it's a livelihood and a passion; and what a waste it would be for that to be deterred by this pandemic.

Dennis said it best when he added: "You can't give up because what you're doing is not just for yourself, but for the people you have. Your profession — what you love most — is what will keep you going."

And despite all the hardship that we're currently facing, it's important to remember that there are a few things we can do to help each other out. Supporting local goods and livelihoods is merely one of them. 

"[Remember]," Rajo shared. "This will end. And when it ends, those who remain positive will come out triumphant." 

Rewatch the whole conversation here: 

This episode of Tatler Talks was produced in collaboration with HSBC. HSBC has recently launched their "Together Let's Love Local" campaign that advocates for support towards Philippine products and services in order to provide for the livelihood of millions of our countrymen. 

By supporting this campaign, HSBC Credit Cardholders will enjoy exclusive offers as they purchase of locally made products, relish of Filipino flavor in local restaurants, and stay in Philippine operated hotels and resorts.  For details, please visit www.hsbc.com.ph/lovelocal