All bets are off in 2020. If you’ve been curious about yet afraid to explore the bits inside you that others might find a little freaky, the world is in shambles so you might as well use that as an excuse to bask in the light (or darkness) of your own eccentricity. For your next DIY shoot at home, we dare you to get gloriously unconventional.
Not sure how to execute your look or how to have the vibe you’re going for translate in a photo or video? Take a page from the books of these adventurous artists and designers. In the land of the avant-garde, you have to go big or go home.
Lukresia
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In the case of Cebu-based artist Lukresia, it seems that half the formula is attitude. Having modeled for designer Carl Jan Cruz, you can say that they’ve made a name for themself in the fashion industry and knows how to strike a pose. However, it’s their own out-of-this-world designs and Mugler dupes that really caught our attention.
Recently, Lukresia created a deconstructed Filipiniana that looks like it came straight out of a science-fiction movie. Recycled plastic eleganza isn’t the only thing they know how to serve. Included among our faves are a naked dress with a matching rhinestone headpiece that reminds us of Mugler and a skirt that reveals a cloth vagina design when you zip down the front. Vulva power!
Jorem
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Designer Jorem Biadoma creates visually exciting pieces with his slow fashion label. With a design aesthetic which he describes as sartorial minimalism with a Bohemian spirit, his architectural garments still leaves a lot of room for movement. If his name rings a bell, his works have been featured on Mercado Vicente and worn by the likes of Mimiyuuuh.
We’re obsessed with his 2019 collection that explored gender constructs and its shoot which played with “wardrobe malfunction.” It includes a gorgeous white turtle neck dress draped with a layering apron piece with box pleat ruffles accent. We’re betting his glamour punk “Continued DISCOnnection” collection (inspired by disco balls) will have you wondering what you could do with your origami skills.
Paolo Dumlao
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Actor and performance artist Paolo Dumlao knows how to make statements with his body. A fearless storyteller, he is unafraid to tackle social issues and create discourse. Often performing nude, he hopes his audience sees it as a display of vulnerability rather than an invitation for malice.
For “An Ode to Bulan,” he stripped down, painted his face and had nothing else but a bouquet of roses and red cloth. The photography set is about his experience with abuse, gaslighting, vindication and forgiveness. For the collaborative set with Artego Philippines and Fuzz Magazine called “The Big Eye,” he experimented with paint, plastic and an illustrated eye. Let Dumlao inspire you to create poetry with your body too.
Robert Andrew Hiyas
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Cebuano designer Robert Andrew Hiyas first came on the radar as the youngest finalist on the 2019 Bench Design Awards with his “Trans/(f)igure” collection. With it, he sought to reimagine the human body as a medium used to perform gender. His interpretation of clerical garb definitely reminded us of Alexander McQueen.
On his Instagram, there’s a shoot (interestingly named after tracks from RM’s self-titled mixtape) involving full bodysuits and deconstructed suits and dresses that is beautiful and chilling. There’s another one featuring a black velvet suede kimono and ribbed knit dress that we’re sure brujeria fans will want to devour.
Jann Bungcaras
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Designer Jann Bungcaras describes his label as “a sustainable non-binary brand promoting idiosyncrasy than aesthetic” and he sure delivers with his whimsical garments. Nadine Lustre and KZ Tandingan are some of the stars who’ve worn his pieces which at times resemble the costume of a storybook character.
His collection called “Howling: A Wolf’s Longing” is the retelling of the story of the wolf from “Little Red Riding Hood.” In Bungcaras’ world, all the wolf ever wanted was to be called “her.” There’s a dreamy shot of a model sporting a grey wool felt wolf bucket hat that you’ll want to recreate. Another cool shoot is one for the “Wanderings of A Child Prince IX” collection which featured a vegan leather crown and a knitted aviator helmet with goggles as purses.
Go forth and get out of the box!
Art by Dana Calvo
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