When in Manila, we’ve shared lots of stories about food, travel, events, and viral stories online. Through these stories, we’ve managed to meet so many interesting Filipinos.
One of the fields that Filipinos excel in is fashion–and I hope to feature more Filipino trailblazers in the fashion industry through a new blog series, #WIMStyle. The first feature is all about Filipino fashion designer Martin Bautista!
You may know him as the person behind outfits of Kathryn Bernardo, Liza Soberano, Pia Wurtzbach, Megan Young, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Solenn Heusaff, Marian Rivera, Kim Chiu, and more!
What goes on behind glamorous magazine editorials? How does Martin find inspiration? How does he describe his own style? What is it like working with the biggest names in showbiz? Here, Martin shares his thoughts on style, inspiration, muses, and random favorites.
How did you become a fashion designer?
Since I was a kid, I’ve always been obsessed with anything beautiful on women. I’ve always imagined them swathed in beautiful fabrics, in colors, in textures, in different kinds of silhouettes, volumes, and fluidity…It has been with me growing up, being exposed to pop culture, the 90’s, watching Fashion TV, looking at magazines.
Could you describe the learning and training process you went through?
Creativity should never be rushed; it’s progressive. It’s like a relationship. It grows with you. You explore it and dissect it until you reach the full potential of an idea.
In your own words, how would you describe your style?
Relatable, simple and authentic.
You are known to dress up some of the most famous names in the showbiz industry. Who are the celebrity clients you often design items for? What are your favorite works?
I’ve worked with a lot of women in the industry, but some of my all-time favorite looks are:
Nude and citrine silk skirt on Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez
Old rose crepe and gazar dress on Kathryn Bernado
Forest green velvet dress on Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach
A photo posted by Martin Bautista (@martinbautista9) on
White crepe dress on Janthina Fong
Beige structured gazar dress on Jen Mercado
Light pink silk dress on Solenn Heussaff
Navy silk dress on Megan Young
Teal green silk top and pants on An Estrada
A photo posted by Martin Bautista (@martinbautista9) on
When viewers watch TV or look at magazines, we often don’t see all the people involved in making that look possible. Could you share about the work dynamics between a celebrity, a stylist, and a fashion designer?
In this industry, you must have good communication skills and time management in order to have a good relationship with you colleagues, and that you should be very open to collaborating and sharing ideas.
Who do you think are the most stylish personalities in the Philippines?
Pam Quinones, Bea & Marga Valdes, Hindy Weber Tantoco, Janina Dizon, An & En Estrada, Mandy dela Rama-Santos.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I am always inspired by how women get through their day, the quality of their lifestyle, how they deal with life, they go to work, they go out, they become mothers, they have all these responsibilities. It’s kind of amazing how they can all handle that and as a women’s wear designer, you want to be that guy that can cater to their needs.
Are there specific social media accounts, blogs, or websites that you regularly visit to learn and be inspired?
@dilarts on instagram for arts, blogs- I am obsessed with www.lisaeldgridge.com because I collect make up and have been practicing it since I studied makeup last year.
What is your favorite quote on style and fashion?
“If it’s not edible, it’s not food. If it’s not wearable, it’s not fashion.”-Alber Elbaz
What is the most fulfilling thing that you get to do as a fashion designer?
Meeting women with different personalities, coming from different walks of life, being able to make them happy and feel good through my creations.
Martin Bautista
Website: www.martin-bautista.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBautistaMB/?fref=ts
Instagram: @martinbautistaph, @martinbautista9
