Paradigm Shift on STYLEBIBLE
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE CONCEPT BEHIND THIS COLLECTION.
It was random. The material came first before we solidified our concept. When we saw the mirror-like PVC leather we immediately knew the direction of the collection. We experimented with the material and incorporated it into our drapey garments. We played with the theme of polar opposites. We wanted to fuse together the hard with the soft and shine with matte.
WHAT MATERIALS, COLORS, AND TECHNIQUES DID YOU USE?
We used gray cotton for our drapey garments, metallic PVC leather, and silver interlock fabric.
HOW IS IT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PARADIGM SHIFT AESTHETIC?
Our main aesthetic has always been about androgyny. For this collection most pieces are unisex. We also love versatility in garments and we made pieces that can be worn several ways.
WHAT ARE ITS SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES TO YOUR PAST COLLECTIONS?
With metallics present in our pieces, we think it’s fresh, fun, on-trend and young. There was an evident "shift." However, we made sure that it still grasps the Paradigm Shift aesthetic so as not to be lost. We wanted to tell a different story this time.
WHO DO YOU ENVISION WEARING THESE PIECES?
In this age when everyone is game for experimentation in their clothes, it’s hard to tell. But our pieces are made for the adventurous.
IF YOU HAD TO PICK, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PIECES FROM THIS LINEUP, AND WHY?
Karl: It would be the skort (the baggy shorts that can be transformed into a skirt). We’d love to see more Filipino guys in skirts. We think it provides an alternative silhouette for men. The piece is of course unisex so girls will look amazing in them, too.
Mike: The love shirt. It’s a shirt that can fit two people which is why we called it that. It can be worn on its own and the styling possibilities are numerous.
WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FOR YOUR NEXT COLLECTION?
Prints. Definitely.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A DESIGNER?
Our love and respect for clothes. We both love dressing up. Also our frustration of not finding the clothes we want in the malls.
HOW DID YOU START AS A DESIGNER?
It was totally random. We were in a store. We were daydreaming of making our own line. We then thought why not?
WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR DESIGN TRAINING?
We did not have any formal training. The moment we started Paradigm Shift was also the moment we started learning.
WHAT IS PARADIGM SHIFT ALL ABOUT? WHAT IS THE BRAND’S DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
Wearable alternatives.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE BRAND’S DESIGN AESTHETIC?
We think of it as making clothes for ourselves. All our designs always starts with the question “Will I wear this?”
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
From random things. It can be from the streets, a movie we saw or a Kpop song.
WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ICONS? YOUR STYLE INFLUENCES/INSPIRATIONS?
Jujiin Samonte.
WHICH DESIGNERS/ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, BOTH LOCAL AND FOREIGN?
Karl: Locally, Don Protasio, Xernan Orticio, Rajo Laurel, Cecile van Straten, and internationally, Rei Kawakubo and Helmut Lang.
Mike: Don Protasio, I respect and admire. Internationally, Rei Kawakubo. No one else can match her in my eyes. She’s a god.
WHO ARE THE CLIENTS YOU ENJOY WORKING WITH?
We enjoy working with all our clients. We are always humbled whenever someone appreciates our work.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A DESIGNER?
Sourcing. It’s the most physically draining and time-consuming.
WHICH ASPECT OF THE DESIGN PROCESS DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
The end part when the hard work is over and we fight who gets to wear the samples first.
HOW DO YOU ENVISION YOURSELF EVOLVING AS A DESIGNER?
We still have a lot to learn. We want to study more the technicalities of fashion design and its business side. We want for our brand to grow and be recognized not only in the country but internationally as well.
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR BUDDING CAREER ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Every collection that we have produced.
WHAT ASPECT OF DESIGN DO YOU SEEK TO MASTER?
Pattern making.
WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM YOU AS A DESIGNER, AND FROM PARADIGM SHIFT, AS A WHOLE?
We’d love to explore making accessories. Making bags and shoes would be fun.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF INFLUENCING THE EVOLUTION OF FILIPINO FASHION?
We see ourselves as an agent to encourage more people especially the younger ones in appreciating local brands.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING DESIGNERS?
Be positive. Fashion is not always glamorous so be prepared to work really hard.
THANKS SO MUCH STYLEbible and especially to Miss Jae Pickrell .
Visit our website : www.paradigmshiftclothing.com
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