Everyone needs some INSPIRATION

One of our homework in class is to research about our favorite designers based on their personality, aesthetics or history. The discussion went on with designer stories and it feels as if we can go on with this the whole session. 

Some distinguished designers were mentioned. Michael Cinco was one of my classmate’s favorite for his extravagant embellishments and clever silhouettes. Other Filipino designers that are into the international spotlight were also mentioned such as Rajo Laurel, Oliver Tolentino and Monique Lhuillier. Vera Wang’s story was also told about the beginning of her designer career. She discovered her passion for fashion when she designed her own wedding dress because none of the designers can satisfy her demands. When her dress received recognition, she then continued to create designs that are simple yet elegant. Of course the all time favorite, Coco Chanel was also an inspiration. Her great influence to the fashion world as she breaks the old style of clothing for women. She released women from restricting clothes. Her classic little black dress was also one of her biggest contribution to fashion. Coco Chanel’s personal life was also discussed. She’s one very intriguing lady. Only a few knows that during her early years, she worked as a spy for Russia. And her love life is also one aspect of her life that’s very interesting. Other designers like Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfield, Elie Saab, Ferragamo, John Galliano and Alice & Olivia. Their designs vary from one another. Some designs are simple yet classy and some are extremely extravagant. 

For my personal favorite, I chose two. It’s so difficult with just choosing one! So my favorites are DVF (Divine von Furstenberg) and Vivienne Westwood. 

DVF

I love DVF for her feminine designs. She’s famous for introducing the “wrap dress” to the world. When the wrap dress came out, it exudes sophistication, elegance and power. Most of her aesthetics center around the girly and feminine side that promotes empowerment to women. Her career started when she married Prince Egon of Furstenberg where she got her surname. However they got divorced in 1972. She invested in a $30,000 clothing line. When her business expanded she then started to become popular to celebrities, made designs for different industries and appeared in several TV shows. As her career flourished her designs became wider with her collection of accessories, cosmetics, perfume and home accessories. 

Not only did DVF became popular for her designs but also for her advocacy. She’s the director  of The Diller - von Furstenberg that provides support to non profit organizations for community building, education, human rights, arts, health and environment. The DVF award that grants $50,000 to women who displays leadership, strength, commitment and courage was also spearheaded by her. Also, DVF sits on the board of Vital Voices that empowers emerging women entrepreneurs of the world.

Vivienne Westwood

As for my second favorite I chose Vivienne Westwood. I love her unique and out of the box designs. Her aesthetics center on punk and new wave fashion. When I first saw her designs I know that her pieces were just for runway but it inspired me to make my designs more creatively made. Don’t be afraid to take risks and always think of ways to make it stand out and new. I also learned through Westwood the idea of getting inspiration through the history of the world. Although fashion changes all the time, dame designs come again and again but are only reinvented based on the perspective of the designer. 

I also admire Westwood, same as DVF, with her advocacy. She’s involved in political movements that support human rights. Anti-consumerism and act to fight against climate change is also some of her advocacy.

One incident that made Westwood the talk of the town was when she received an award from the British Empire. She appeared in the ceremony “knickerless” and even twirled around where the media caught shots of her private parts. She insisted that she only forgot to wear knickers during the ceremony but others think otherwise. Call it crazy but despite Westwood’s weird acts I still love her personality that wants to stand out from the crowd and voice out her opinions and visions are.

Although these two designers are opposites with their aesthetics, I think how I want my collections to be are the combination of the two. The femininity from DVF and the uniqueness from Westwood. 

For an aspiring designer, having a famous designer to look up to is needed. You’ll need to have someone to inspire you. It really helps to have a favorite designer because it’ll make you want to become like him/her or to achieve more than what your favorite designer achieved.

So, who inspires you?