New designer on the block: Djohn Andrew Clement
Make way for Djohn Andrew Clement.
A promising young designer has emerged and is expected to influence how Ilonggos will dress up. He is no less than Djohn Andrew Clement, the Robinsons Design Lab Second Run champion.
Djohn has a complex personality but it’s not hard to keep up with him. He’s easygoing and proof of this is the fact that he has many friends. He’s quite cheerful, as seen during the Robinsons Design Lab competition. He’s always smiling. A kid at heart, he says.
Djohn’s passion for fashion started way back. “My dad can draw very well. He took architecture before, so I wanted to imitate his sketches. As soon as I got hold of a good pencil, I started to sketch almost anything. I remembered when I was 9 or so, my mom bought me stuffs to wear that I didn’t like. So, I drew the clothes that I wanted to wear instead. I never really had the choice on what clothes to put on way back, but as soon as I had the autonomy to choose my own clothes, the urge to dress up just got stronger,” said this 23-year-old designer who also works as a nurse.
Here goes the interview with Djohn ...
An Avant Garde design made of
Abaca fiber.
Kathy: What is it about fashion that makes you happy or fulfilled?
Djohn: Everybody wants to look good, even fabulous. But really, it’s the feeling of “in control” that makes it fulfilling. It’s your subtle way of making a statement. Also, my friends love to dress up. They would ask me to mix and match their outfits. It’s like therapy, its fun!
Kathy: What fashion-related training have you received?
Djohn: I didn’t have any formal training, but we were lucky to have Mr. Bo Parcon as our mentor in Design Lab, and I am extremely thankful to Ms. Jaki Penalosa sharing her superb fashion advices to us.
Kathy: What’s your signature look?
Djohn: I really don’t have a signature look. As long as everything is “put together”, I’m fine. Like other people, my style varies on a regular basis.
Kathy: Who is your fashion icon and why?
Djohn: I have two. Roberto Cavalli is my fashion god. He’s a genius, I think. His vision has greatly influenced my designs in so many ways. And stylist Rachel Zoe is the queen. She can turn the world upside down. Nowadays, I’m inspired by works of Givenchy, Alexander Mcqueen, D’squared and Bottega Veneta.
Djohn with a model wearing a gold outfit
made of Filon, a petticoat fabric.
Kathy: Is there any local personality whose fashion sense you admire and why?
Djohn: Yes, Celine Lopez. I like how she plays with her style. She can go from boho chic to straight up elegance in a snap. Amazing. I think she can get away with almost anything.
Kathy: What is your idea of a good get-up?
Djohn: Good fit, clean styling, that perfect accessory, and comfort. You’ll never go wrong when you have these in mind.
Kathy: What kind of get-up do you consider as a no-no?
Djohn: (laughs). I don’t really have a no-no. It’s more of the right outfits for the right occasions.
The designer and his winning pieces.
Kathy: I gathered that you’re a nurse. How do you reconcile your career in nursing and your passion for fashion?
Djohn: I am working as a nurse now and reviewing for foreign examinations. These make my weekdays busy. I usually meet clients and my ‘sastre’ every weekends to check some projects. Both activities require a lot of dedication but at the end of the day, the rewards are priceless.
Kathy: Tell us about your Robinsons Design Lab experience.
Djohn: Robinsons Design Lab is really one major highlight for me this year. It served as a platform for learning on my part. Before, people tell me that I can design but I never really believed in myself. I have been to a major depression in 2008 and said to myself that everything is going change in 2009. I joined Design Lab (with handful of prayers) to pick myself up, and prove myself that I’m worth something. The first challenge was the most stressful. It was my first show and everything was a mess, but I was very happy when I won as best designer and eventually won again in the second challenge. It’s very heartwarming to know that people appreciate your work. It motivated me to strive harder and made me realize the blessings that God is giving me. I’ve been getting clients, it was odd at first (laughs).
Kathy: What’s the most memorable part of this competition?
Djohn: The most memorable was doing a bridal gown for Leanne Salas Fernandez, the granddaughter of the owner of W.I.T. It was my first bridal gown and it’s very rewarding. Robinsons Design Lab has been a learning process for me and winning first place is just but humbling. Truly, there’s a perfect time for everything. I’m grateful to these experiences and to my family and friends who kept believing in my potentials.