Celebrating Filipino Craftsmanship at the Philippine Festival Tokyo 2024 with Designer Simon Ariel Vasquez

Fashion Meets Filipino Heritage

The Philippine Festival Tokyo 2024 Organizing Committee is thrilled to announce a new and exciting partnership with Simon Ariel Vasquez, a celebrated Filipino fashion designer who has been named the official designer of the festival uniforms. This collaboration will showcase Filipino ingenuity and craftsmanship, highlighting traditional fabrics and modern designs that represent the rich culture of the Philippines. As the event approaches, we take a closer look at the man behind the designs and his journey in the fashion world.

Inspiration to Pursue Fashion Design

Simon Ariel Vasquez’s journey into fashion began at a young age when he observed his mother making dresses for personal use. “I saw myself having a talent for drawing,” he says, recalling his early interest. With no formal fashion design schools available in Camarines Sur (CamSur) at the time, Simon pursued a degree in Development Communication at Ateneo De Naga University. However, his passion for fashion never waned, and after working as a graphic artist in Manila, he enrolled in Slims Fashion School, where he dedicated his Saturdays to honing his skills.

Aesthetic and Style

Simon’s collections are a masterful blend of traditional and contemporary elements. He is known for revamping the classic Filipino Barong Tagalog, combining traditional techniques with modern design to create wearable and stylish pieces. His work brings a fresh take on Filipino wear, emphasizing versatility and modernity while staying true to its roots.

The Role of Filipino Culture in His Designs

Filipino culture and heritage play a central role in Simon’s work. "I brought the idea of merging traditional techniques with modern ingenuity," he explains. By incorporating Filipino fabrics such as Piña, Piña Jusi, and Cocoon, Simon creates designs that not only honor the past but also resonate with modern audiences. His goal is to keep Filipino culture alive in the fashion industry while making it relevant for today's generation.

The Creative Process

Simon’s creative process begins with identifying the inspiration for each collection. He then moves on to conceptualize the design and look of the pieces, paying close attention to the choice of Filipino fabrics. The production process follows, where he brings his vision to life through precise craftsmanship and modern design techniques. “Selecting the right fabric is crucial,” Simon adds, emphasizing the importance of using authentic Filipino materials in his creations.

Challenges as a Filipino Designer

Like many Filipino designers, Simon has faced the challenge of balancing innovation with tradition. “How can I uplift and improve my designs while maintaining Filipino culture and heritage?” is a question he continually asks himself. Simon tackles this challenge by using time-honored fabrics and materials while applying modern techniques in cutting and embroidery, ensuring his designs are both fresh and culturally resonant.

Staying Updated with Fashion Trends

Simon notes that creating Barongs and Filipiniana doesn’t necessarily require following global fashion trends. However, he incorporates modern techniques in the construction and embroidery of his garments, ensuring that they feel contemporary while preserving the essence of traditional Filipino wear.

Career Milestones

Simon’s career has been marked by several notable milestones. He was a former chairman of FDAP Fashion Designers Association of the philippines. He first showcased his designs at Philippine Fashion Week (PhFW), and after the pandemic, he had the opportunity to present his work at various Philippine embassies around the world. In 2024 alone, Simon presented his designs in cities like Rome, Tokyo, Calgary, Paris, Athens, Berlin, and Berne, with his most recent participation being at Milan Fashion Week—a significant moment for any designer.

Advice for Aspiring Filipino Designers

To aspiring Filipino designers, Simon offers this advice: “Just focus on what you are doing and keep improving. Be sure that you love what you do. Dreams come true, so dream big.” His words are a testament to the dedication and passion required to succeed in the fashion industry.

Approaching Sustainability

Simon emphasizes the importance of sustainability in fashion by recycling older collections. By reworking existing designs and materials, he contributes to reducing waste in the industry, aligning his brand with the growing global demand for eco-friendly practices.

Future Goals and Filipino Fashion on the Global Stage

Looking ahead, Simon aims to continue showcasing Filipino culture and heritage through fashion on a global scale. One of his key goals is to open outlets in major cities, including Paris and Canada, where he can further promote Filipino craftsmanship. Simon believes that Filipino fashion has immense potential on the world stage and hopes to inspire others to explore the richness of Filipino textiles and design.

A Celebration of Filipino Talent and Artistry

As we approach the Philippine Festival Tokyo 2024, Simon Ariel Vasquez’s partnership with the event represents a celebration of Filipino talent and artistry. His work serves as a reminder of the beauty and versatility of Filipino culture, and his designs will undoubtedly add a special touch to this year’s festival. Let’s join in celebrating Filipino ingenuity and craftsmanship this coming Philippine Festival Tokyo 2024!

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