Angel: Designs her way to success
During the YDI first anniversary fashion
show.
Her success in fashion designing was accidental as she would put it. It was not a dream that she had a long time ago. But when the chance was given to her, she fervently accepted it
The youth of today are often pressured by realities of life and they end up choosing a profession that they don't really want. However, amongst them, it is still inspiring to know that there are those who follow their dreams and strive to attain it.
Her name is Ma. Angelica Tan, or Angel Tan as most of her acquaintance would call her. She is a young Ilongga designer, who found her footing in the world of fashion designing. She finished her high school education in Colegio de San Jose Iloilo and is currently taking up Advertising in Central Philippine University. A simple individual, who never even thought of becoming a designer, it was her artistic passion for painting that encouraged her to join the 2006 Deisgn Lab Competition held in Robinsons Iloilo for young designers. It was there that her skill for designing was acknowledged and a new chapter in her life started.
After the event, she has become a member of the group Young Designers of Iloilo. She has also experienced being an apprentice designer under Bo Parcon and Jackie Peñalosa, who are known names in the fashion industry. In her apprenticeship, she did not expect to have clients come, inquire and admire her designs. But through this, she was slowly making a name for herself in the world of fashion designing.
Photography by Jake Borres.
Last December 23, 2008, the Young Designers of Iloilo had put up a fashion show to celebrate their anniversary, held in Robinsons Iloilo. With new found inspiration from fellow designers, friends and family members, she plans to design a collection, mainly influenced by ballet and contemporary wear. She also would like to design men's wear, though plans to create the designs with an androgynous look, enabling the female wearer to wear the men's, and the male to wear the women's.
But despite her numerous breaks and successes, she still remains to be the humble and down-to-earth Angela. Perhaps, the only changes that happened to her life after becoming a designer was getting to know new acquaintances and changing her physical appearance to look more professional and more designer-like.
Her success in fashion designing was accidental as she would put it. It was not a dream that she had a long time ago. But when the chance was given to her, she fervently accepted it. Her story of success reminds us all that as long as we have faith in God and continue to have dreams and believe in them, we will attain them one day. Her only message to the youth of today is that whenever that chance of success happens, they should remember to keep their heads leveled and to thank God for the opportunity.