Forecast
Entertaining ambitions at 43 is problematic. Projects, plans and punchlists from previous ambitions are routines for the middle age, but new ambitions? Ambitions carry huge engines fueled by youth, enthusiam and "didn't-know-better" bravado, qualities in short supply past 40.
I applied for a spot in the Philippine Fashion Week for May. I want to do a solo show, meaning a minimum of 45 looks. I will find out if I would get a slot after the interviews towards the end of March. I submitted the required write up, sketches and sample garment. Now I wait. I heared 12 PFW alumni are set to do solo shows. Only 4 slots are open for new applicants, 20 applications came in so far.
I've always been involved in fashion but being a designer and doing a fashion show is something I've set aside in my early 20's. Now I'm giving it a go, at 43. The advantage of age is I've seen enough, I was there when the key looks of SS09 were starting out in the early 80's: shoulders, punk, neon, stilleto, etc etc. The disadvantage of age is I've seen too much. A young designer can respond to that unadulterated fund of first creative awakening, I've had 26 of those awakenings. The trick is to edit what I know and like.
While I'm waiting, i've started on my collection. I've sketched the "mother" pieces last October, did technical drawing by December, started fabric sourcing January, been constructing since February. It's fun, frustrating and totally exhilirating. I have no formal training in fashion design, pattern making and construction. My armhole knowledge sucks major. Sleeveless! I've styled fashion shows so I know there's so much variation in measurements among Filipino models. Loose silhouettes! There's a limited source of fabric in the Philippines so the same prints pop out in so many collections and retails outlets. Treat plain fabrics! I've served clients for so long, I don't think I can do made to order clothes from total strangers. The answer is RTW.
If I don't get into Fashion Week, I'll just think of an alternative presentation. Again the advantage of age, you have more resources.
Do I want to be a fashion designer? Do I want to be a big fashion designer? Do I want to be a mega succesful fashion designer? In my 20's the answer would have been yes. At 43 the answer is more cautious and calculated. These are questions best lumped with "When I grow up..." but when you're all grown up how do you phrase it?
I applied for a spot in the Philippine Fashion Week for May. I want to do a solo show, meaning a minimum of 45 looks. I will find out if I would get a slot after the interviews towards the end of March. I submitted the required write up, sketches and sample garment. Now I wait. I heared 12 PFW alumni are set to do solo shows. Only 4 slots are open for new applicants, 20 applications came in so far.
I've always been involved in fashion but being a designer and doing a fashion show is something I've set aside in my early 20's. Now I'm giving it a go, at 43. The advantage of age is I've seen enough, I was there when the key looks of SS09 were starting out in the early 80's: shoulders, punk, neon, stilleto, etc etc. The disadvantage of age is I've seen too much. A young designer can respond to that unadulterated fund of first creative awakening, I've had 26 of those awakenings. The trick is to edit what I know and like.
While I'm waiting, i've started on my collection. I've sketched the "mother" pieces last October, did technical drawing by December, started fabric sourcing January, been constructing since February. It's fun, frustrating and totally exhilirating. I have no formal training in fashion design, pattern making and construction. My armhole knowledge sucks major. Sleeveless! I've styled fashion shows so I know there's so much variation in measurements among Filipino models. Loose silhouettes! There's a limited source of fabric in the Philippines so the same prints pop out in so many collections and retails outlets. Treat plain fabrics! I've served clients for so long, I don't think I can do made to order clothes from total strangers. The answer is RTW.
If I don't get into Fashion Week, I'll just think of an alternative presentation. Again the advantage of age, you have more resources.
Do I want to be a fashion designer? Do I want to be a big fashion designer? Do I want to be a mega succesful fashion designer? In my 20's the answer would have been yes. At 43 the answer is more cautious and calculated. These are questions best lumped with "When I grow up..." but when you're all grown up how do you phrase it?