It's no secret that mounting a fashion show takes a great deal of effort. That's why it's all the more impressive whenever local designers get the chance to present their newest collections abroad and represent the country in the global fashion scene.
One Filipino designer who recently achieved this career milestone is Joe San Antonio. The Central St. Martins alumnus, who's one of the go-to designers of celebs like Bianca Umali and Jane De Leon, showcased her latest Automne-Hiver 2023-2024 collection during the recently-concluded Paris Fashion Week 2023. True to Joe's elegant and romantic design aesthetic, the lineup put the spotlight on feminine silhouettes, featuring pleated fabrics and Joe's signature hand embroidery.
Take a closer look at her newest pieces ahead and find out where she drew inspiration from in an exclusive interview with Preview.
Preview Creative Spotlight: Joe San Antonio on Her Fall/Winter 2023 Collection in Paris Fashion Week
Can you give us an overview of the concept or theme behind your collection? What was your creative vision and how is it connected to your design ethos?
"The concept of the collection focuses on my inspiration, which is art and movement. I wanted the pieces to connect to the people as if they were alive with a touch of emotions."
Are there any particular influences that shaped your collection? How did they inspire your work?
"For the silhouettes in this collection, we focus on the classic and elegant side. I want the pieces to be timeless, tasteful, and very Parisian."
What are the main design elements in your collection? Are there any specific fabrics, materials, motifs, silhouettes, or colors that defined your collection?
"There are many elements I used that I haven't tried in my previous collection. For example, I used electric pleats with 3D fabric manipulation. But I also used my signature technique of hand embroidery with Swarovski beading! As for the colors, I wanted to stick to neutral colors such as blacks, whites, nudes and golds."
What methods or crafting techniques did you use to construct your pieces? How long did it take to complete this collection?
"Like I mentioned, I used fabric manipulation in this collection, plus 3D hand embroidery beading. Overall, it took six months to conceptualize and finish all the gowns."
What specific message do you wish to convey through this collection? How did you want the audience to feel after watching the show?
"I just wanted to show what else I can do as a Filipino fashion designer beyond my comfort zone. I wanted to show the international audience that my pieces are classic yet very unique at the same time."
Can you share any fun fact or unknown trivia about any of your pieces?
"I actually made 11 pieces in total, and I prepared three back-ups with me just in case my luggage would get lost or a model wouldn’t fit. I only had the same day of the show to fit the clothes on the models so it was a very nerve-wracking experience for me. "
How did it feel to represent the Philippines at Paris Fashion Week? Do you have any other milestones that you'd like to achieve in the future as a Filipino fashion designer?
"It is such an honor and also an overwhelming experience! I was very anxious about whether or not I could pull off the designs, but I was proud of my work at the same time. In the future, I would like to have my own atelier in another country to cater to my overseas clients."
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