ICYMI: Filipino designer John Herrera took over the international runway once more at London Fashion Week. Under Oxford Fashion Studio, John presented his latest collection, Amaya. He tells us, “[It’s] inspired by a warrior woman leader in pre-Hispanic Philippines.”
Alongside this, he also launched his shoe collection made in Marikina. Featuring gold cowhide, it’s for those with an avant-garde taste and goes well with John’s creations that present deconstructed silhouettes and unexpected cuts.
Still in London, John told us how the show came about and what’s next after this season.
How did the opportunity with Oxford Fashion Studio come about?
I was invited by the creative director Tiffany Saunders after seeing my work at the International Fashion Showcase in 2015 [at] Brewer St. Carpark.
How long did it take you to complete the clothes, from conception to the show itself?
The time frame falls inside a season [of] six months. Everything has to be done before the next season is upon me. That’s my deadline!
Tell us what was going through your mind right before the show began.
I’m actually very numb before a show. It helps if I shut down voices and thoughts about the future. [It] helps me focus on the tiny details which are just as important.
What’s the best compliment you received after the show?
An intern who’s assigned to me by OFS approached me and said: “I’m a fashion student. Your talent in making clothes is what I am aspiring for.” She also asked for advice and I told her to keep the faith and continue working on [her] craft.
We saw you got to meet with Michael Cinco before the show. Did he offer any advice about the international fashion scene?
He’s a good friend. We basically just talked about the fashion industry and share stories of our adventures.
When did you start conceptualizing the shoe designs?
The shoes actually came after the Tokyo exhibit [last] April. I thought it will help unify the collection. I think I was correct in thinking this.
What’s another show you liked this past week?
I don’t like watching fashion shows. I watch my own only to see what I could have done better. All the other things I like: meeting interesting people plus having discussions about the indestructible and the future of fashion.
What has London taught you about fashion and design?
It’s a very different ballgame. You design for a bigger market. And you learn a lot on the selling floor.
What are you working on next?
I’m actually cooking up my next collection. And showing at a bigger platform. Also I’m collaborating on an exhibition (art+fashion) with Aowen Jin at the Compton Verney Museum in the UK for Oct 2016 and Ann Ong for Dec 2016. I love collaborations as much as solo shows.
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