When Dreams Come True: Neny Dawn Jover talks about designing for Barbie dolls and girls
Neny Dawn Jover is in the lookout for
fresh ideas and chic designs
BEING part of the Robinsons Design Lab 2007 was a dream come true for Neny Dawn Jover. The realization of such dream was even sweeter when she emerged as the winner, paving the way for her to showcase her bright and new ideas in designing.
Get to know more about this 22-year-old Hotel and Restaurant Management student and one of Iloilo City's young dynamic designers.
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): Describe your collection during the Robinsons Design Lab 2007.
Neny Dawn Jover (NDJ): My collection was inspired by water. During dawn, water comes in hues of pink, blue and chartreuse so the dresses used those colors. The shapes of my designs were inspired by waves. I used glue stick to create droplets. The cloths that I used were organza, satin and stretched tulle with glitters.
KMV: What were your prizes?
NDJ: P10,000 cash, junior membership with the Designers Guild of Iloilo, one year free membership in Winners Gym and packs from Karatworld.
KMV: Your course seem to be a bit far off from designing.
NDJ: Yes. In fact, before I took up Software Engineering. Four years later, I enrolled in HRM because I wanted to get into Culinary Arts.
KMV: No plans to study fashion designing?
NDJ: At present, I am still struggling on what to take – Culinary Arts or Fashion Designing. I love to cook, too.
Neny's design
KMV: How early did you get into designing?
NDJ: When I was still a child, I started sketching. I already had that desire to design since then. I would design clothes for my Barbie Dolls. My mother influenced me by buying me dresses of dolls. I dreamt of designing clothes for Barbie or for girls.
KMV: As a young designer, what influence can you make in the industry?
NDJ: The use of bright colors, fresh look, chic and minimal designs but with striking shapes, fun and the use of new medium like the glue stick.
KMV: Speaking of glue stick, how were you able to come up with that idea?
Neny and a model during the Robinsons
Design Lab 2007 finals
NDJ: When I was taking a shower, I marveled at how the water droplets formed on the tiles. I wanted to apply that in my collection but it seemed impossible at that time. So, I said, what if I'll change my inspiration to flowers? But then, that concept is already overused. A few days later, I remembered plastic flowers and realized that their dew drops were done with a glue stick.
KMV: Is winning in the Robinsons Design Lab a dream come true?
NDJ: Yes. I dreamt of having my collections worn on the ramp and I thought it was impossible because I had no name and no financier. But, when I saw the competition's poster at the mall, I got excited. It was time for me to join. I'm glad I did.