Jet Salcedo: An all-around artists talks about his passion, fetish and more
"I splurge on swarovski crystals. It's my greatest extravagance. I have a huge collection of this crystal but I don't wear them. I got them from my travels and I carry them everywhere I go. I also sleep with them. My mom even joked that I might lose my sanity if I lose them"
Robinsons Design Lab Recycled Challenge
The last installment on the Robinsons Design Lab finalists is about Jose Clement "Jet" Salcedo, son of Concepcion Mayor, Hon. Betsy Salcedo and former Board Member Sandy Salcedo. His siblings are Pyke, a businessman; Tina and Sandy Jr., politicians; and Shariko who's into construction.
Jet had been drawing heels and little mermaids and other girlie stuff when he was just a kid. He went to St. Joseph School during elementary and to Westbridge School for Boys during high school.
With his passion for designing felt and well-supported by his parents, instead of pursuing college, Jet honed his creative talent by studying under a dressmaker for six months. Then, he took crash courses on fashion design in Manila. It was then that he got interested in accessories.
Jet also got to work as a visual merchandising supervisor of Robinsons Place Iloilo.
From the interview, it was revealed that Jet is a jack-of-all-trades. More revelations in this interview ...
Jet (3rd from left) during Ladies Night
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): You mentioned that you are a jack-of-all-trades. Why?
Jose Clement Salcedo (Jet): Apart from designing clothes, I also handle accessories. Then, I also do make-up. In fact, I took a course in cosmetology. I'm also a hairstylist.
I have many clients who asked me to design for them for weddings and parties. It's so funny because when some clients don't know what to do, I take it upon myself to create a package for them --- one that includes hairstyling, makeup, and more. I'm like a one-stop-shop for their needs.
KMV: Any plans of opening your own shop?
Jet: I plan to, this year. I'd like to name it Masterpieces by Jet Salcedo.
KMV: With your parents being in politics, did they have problems with you being gay and going into fashion?
Jet: No. When I was a kid, they bought me Barbie dolls. During my elementary days, I was president of the Barbie Club at St. Joseph School. My mother even had me train under a dressmaker. Also, every year, I organize a Ladies Night for the gays of the 5th District. The gays show off their talents. Through this, gays get recognition that we exist. That's why the 5th District is gay-friendly.
Fantasy makeup
KMV: What's your unforgettable Robinsons Design Lab challenge?
Jet: Denim (Maong) Challenge. It was the hardest one for me. We were asked to bring old pants and I didn't know what to do with them. Anyway, in the end I created one that was inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker of "Sex in the City", using a tiara, swarovskis and all. I won in this challenge.
KMV: How are you preparing for the Robinsons Design Lab finals?
Jet: I'll be spending time at our resort in Agho Island, Concepcion. There, I could think and plan better.
KMV: What's the Jet Salcedo style?
Jet: Glamorous rockstar with a bit of punk. I like the androgynous style. I'm very particular about comfort. I like tafetta, jersey dresses and well-accessorized outfits. If a person asks me to design clothes for him or her, I offer to make the accessories too. It's good that the accessories go well with the outfit. I am very particular about wearability. I do not agree to "pabuang-buang" designs. At the end of the day, your client is the most important.
Most Magical Costume, SM Halloween 2006
KMV: Where do you get your inspiration?
Jet: From music videos because I'm also a music lover. I also browse magazines, see some nice designs and make my own version and add details. Actually, I get inspiration from everything.
KMV: What's your typical get-up?
Jet: I wear black often. I hate printed stuff and loud colors like orange and yellow. I'm well-accessorized. I splurge on swarovski crystals. It's my greatest extravagance. I have a huge collection of this crystal but I don't wear them. I got them from my travels and I carry them everywhere I go. I also sleep with them. My mom even joked that I might lose my sanity if I lose them (laughs).
KMV: Any fetish?
Jet: I collect stilletos. I always bring a pair with me and let the models wear it. I have a fetish for shoes and at present, I have 50 pairs. My mom told me once, "You're probably Imelda's (Marcos) child."Oh well, I idolize Imelda. (laughs).
KMV: I could just imagine what your crib looks like.
Jet: My house is like a woman's closet. There's just so many items there. I also go to ukay-ukays. In fact, I make it a point to be the first to check out the ukay-ukays in Concepcion.
The swarovski collection
KMV: What consitutes your leisure time?
Jet: I travel out of the country with my mom. When abroad, I check out designs and some great finds at the flea markets and vintage shops. My street style fashion had been influenced by these travels. We travel twice a year.
KMV: What do you want to see in the Ilonggo fashion scene?
Jet: I want to see all Ilonggos dressing up. It's so sad to see beautiful women who don't know how to dress up. We are projecting ourselves to the public, that's why dressing up is important. Hey, you can take a jeep but still look great.
KMV: Which celebrity would you like to dress up?
Jet: Victoria Beckham. Her sense of style is like mine. She's glamorous with a touch of a rockstar.
KMV: How would you dress me up?
Jet: You're mannish. I'd like to dress you up the girlie way ... Hollywood glamor.