Earl designs his way to success
Earl (far right, front) designed the dress worn by the Queen of the
Night (middle, in fuschia) and the guy in gray suit at the
CICINAA Homecoming
These days, Earl Auric Jimenea's attention is focused on preparing for the Robinsons Design Lab finals on June 15, 2008. He is one of the four finalists who will showcase his surprise designs on the said date.
Earl, 21, was born to parents Rosemarie Tano Jimenea and Rodolfo Jimenea in Silay City. His siblings are Earl Jun, 11 and Earl Rudolph, six years old. When Earl's father transferred to Iloilo City and established his gun shop here, Earl had to come along despite the fact that he didn't want to go.
But then, that transfer was a blessing in disguise, for it paved the way for Earl to be discovered in his passion.
Earl is making a name for himself in fashion design
Get to know more about Earl in this interview.
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): Tell us how you got into Robinsons Design Lab.
Earl Auric Jimenea (EAJ): It was accidental. My officemate mentioned the competition and while we were at the mall, I saw the poster. So I joined.
KMV: Were you already designing before that?
EAJ: Yes. When I was just in my elementary days, I made clothes out of paper. I also designed for my friends' prom dresses. We had a dressmaking course in school and I joined in the mini fashion show. During the Mr. and Ms. Nursing competition in CPU, I designed the costume of Hazel Javellana and it bagged the Best in Creative Costume award.
KMV: What or who influenced you into designing?
EAJ: My father's mother is a dressmaker.
KMV: So, did you take up fashion designing as a course?
EAJ: Actually, I am a graduate of Nursing in the Central Philippine University.
At the Robinsons Design Lab competition
KMV: How do you reconcile Nursing with fashion designing?
EAJ: I will pursue Nursing as well as fashion designing. After I have saved up, I'd like to pursue my passion --- designing.
KMV: What portion of Robinsons Design Lab challenged you most?
EAJ: Society Chic where we were asked to design a gown for Pangging Rosales, one that she will wear to the Tatler Ball. I was nervous and I was not confident because the designs of the other contenders were very competitive. I was shocked when Ms Rosales said, "Definitely, I will wear this to the Tatler Ball."
KMV: Where do you get your fashion ideas?
EAJ: From magazines.
KMV: What guides you in designing?
EAJ: As long as the wearer looks good in it.
KMV: Any favorite designer?
EAJ: Versace and Roberto Cavalli because of their flowing and feminine styles.
KMV: How about your style?
EAJ: I like glam and the use of flowing and soft materials. I also like using gold, bronze, green and white colors.
Earl with his Korean friends
KMV: Who would you like to dress up?
EAJ: Nicole Kidman because she looks great on any outfit.
KMV: What get-up do you like seeing?
EAJ: A girl wearing a maong skirt and a white Baby Tee top over it.
KMV: What designing rules do you live by in terms of color, prints and accessories?
EAJ: For color, I want to combine dark and light shades. For example, black and gray; brown and bronze or gold. For prints, there should be a prominent color, like if there's black and white already, I could add red. The accessories' color should match that of the clothes.
KMV: Speaking of accessories, I notice you don't wear some.
EAJ: No. I used to accessorize like metals and bangles but not anymore. I guess that was because of peer pressure. Although I love looking at punk. If I'm in the United States, I like to wear that. Here, people will just stare at you.
KMV: What's your usual outfit?
EAJ: T-shirt, a pair of jeans and sandals.
KMV: What is bad fashion for you?
EAJ: In designing, clothes that are not wearable. One has to consider that someone will wear the clothes that you are making. For the get-up, I don't like seeing the combination of a Bohemian top, a denim that is boot cut and rubber shoes.
In the succeeding issues, the three other finalists, Alberto Luis Barros, Doddie Tan and Jet Salcedo will also be featured.