DIY

I turned my plain white shirt into this. :)

Make-Up Class | Tin Iglesias

Applying make-up is a fun and creative activity. It’s fun to try new colors and application techniques. I put on make-up to look girly and to match it with my outfit. When I go partying with friends, it’s pretty much the norm. Sometimes I even put on make-up just out of boredom! Hahaha.

Make-up for me, serves the function of an accessory. Take an elegant dress without make-up for example, it is rather odd just as wearing sneakers with a dress. I like how make-up offers more consistent complexion and coloration; and how it can moderate perceived imperfections in one’s face. I am not really a fanatic about make-up(I wear it occasionally) and I don't really pile it on, however I do know that I look better, feel better(more prepared and put-together) about myself when I'm wearing my make-up. I am grateful for Ms. Kitty’s lesson! Not only did I learn how to apply make-up properly, I also learned which cosmetic tools and make-up suits my skin tone best. I shall buy the green watercolor concealer thing to offset my blemishes! It's so cool. ;)

x
Tin I.

ACLE | Tin Iglesias

The ACLE was so fun and edifying. I learned about reconstruction! Certainly, it is a great way to recycle instead of just throwing things out. I realized that almost anything can be turned into something else if you experiment enough. I think some people are put off with the notion of reconstructed clothing because they do not know where to start and they think it involves an immense amount of creativity and/or skill. But guest speakers Santi Obcena and Tracy Dizon from Project Runway Philippines Season 2 pointed out that with minimal crafting skills it is easy to turn old clothes you no longer wear into great new pieces. They both gave us guidelines to help us prevent the downhill spiral of disappointment while still allowing our creative juices to do it our own way.

Also, the speakers discussed some styling tips on how to look chic without spending a fortune. One of the easiest ways to update your look without having to spend a lot is through accessories. It can instantaneously convert outfits from average to extraordinary and from uninteresting to phenomenal fashion hits. They even shared to us some places where we can buy the most excellent materials for design and reasonably priced clothing pieces.

The activity thereafter was fun likewise! We did our own deconstruction and styling. It did not only allow me to apply what we learned, but it also was a way for me to bond and get to know my other course mates. It was awe-inspiring seeing everyone get innovative, altering their pieces to create a whole outfit. It was nice knowing one could construct a stylish outfit from too threadbare to wear anymore pieces. Now, I think I am more equipped and ready for more DIY projects! :)

x
Tin I.

A Non-Conformist Immune to Critcism | Tin Iglesias

The article tells us that fashion is what you wear and how you want to present yourself to the world. In Todd Bennett's case, given that he likes to have fun and typical things bore him, his appearance is one of the chief ways he expresses himself. Generally, "different" is considered bad until someone realizes that different can mean creative and out of the ordinary. Growing up, kids just want to fit in with other kids. Yet for Todd, it’s the other way around. Being different for him isn’t just good; it is essential. He prefers individuality over conformity. He refuses to give into the constant globalization process that seems to evolve with each passing day.

I, in fact, have a high regard for Todd. I personally think that we should believe in ourselves a little more instead of worrying what others think so much. I believe people should be able to co-exist - people of varying religious beliefs, political perspectives, cultural heritages, sexual orientations, and whatnot. As stated in the article “I will accept anybody as a friend. Fat, thin, black, white, old or young” and “Conformity is not necessarily bad. I appreciate conservatives – they make a wonderful contrast.” Why not look for the common concern and find the reasons to acknowledge others? Why not be grateful for each other and care for the well-being of all?

I liked the article because I can somehow relate to it. For me, I don't really mind healthy criticism. It helps me become a better person. However, there could be a point in one's life when you get attacked from all corners. It's fine because in due course, things will pass. In reality, I once received a pretty mean comment on an article I wrote for a fashion website. That person didn’t like one of the looks I styled. According to her, it is a strict no-no to use leggings as pants. Sure I was saddened by it, as well as the person I styled (as long as the top is covering the crotch, for us it’s absolutely fine). Good thing my boss made an effort to cheer me up. She told me that it’s hard to deal with negative comments; but in its place, I should take such in a good way - to observe things about my style I may not notice, but remember to stick to my guns and mode. Subsequently, quite a few sent me a message (some from other countries) in relation to the article I wrote. They told me that I actually did a great job, that they liked the post so much, and that I am talented. (WHUUUT XD)

Reminiscent of Todd Bennett, I also like to have fun and enjoy life. I love having fun with fashion. I like taking risks; experimenting and mixing diverse patterns and textures. So, why care about other people's opinions about what you wear when it's your style? It is never too late to break down the barriers and run free. One way to do that is through your clothing. Show the world that being you is wonderful beyond doubt and most of all exceptional.

<3 Tin I.

Ukay-Ukay Shopping & Presentation | Tin Iglesias

Ukay-ukay shopping was tiring; nevertheless I had heaps of fun looking for clothes, notwithstanding the striking odor, heat and dust! Hahaha. I always enjoy shopping at flea markets and anything of that sort because I get to be stylish, even on a budget.

Mia and I weren’t able to find the PERFECT outfit. :( Our group was assigned alternation and contrast. We had difficulty rummaging for alternation but with persistence and willpower, we managed to look for something that would pass to our requirements, rather similar to our peg.

Two days after our lab/field work, we presented our ukay finds in class. It was awesome seeing my classmates get innovative. My classmates looked really good! Indeed, one doesn’t need a thousand peso bankroll or hire a personal stylist to look fashionable. One can still look amazing without spending a lot. Thanks to the thrilling shopping phenomenon that is UK! I am looking forward to equally stimulating lab/field works in the future as I want to learn and practice more on design principles and different body types.

<3 Tin I.

Fashion Consultation | Tin Iglesias

The fashion consultation was rather exhausting yet very fun and instructive. Strenuous because throughout the first hour of my shift, my group barely had clients, and so Tine and I roamed around the campus to look for people who are interested. It was a good thing that the people who sought our help were very open-minded and involved. It was truly nice to see how most of them were especially inquisitive about the latest trends, styles and looks that are making a splash in the world of style. How most of them were incredibly eager to improve their style of clothing. That's why I did my best to give people advice that will help them attain what they want - whether it is to make a good impression, or merely to feel good about themselves. I honestly had difficulty in discussing to my clients their flaws and anything of that sort because I did not want to sound pretty rude. Flaws part aside; I think the whole activity was relatively easy and amusing. In view of the fact that I enjoy watching beauty and fashion makeover shows, I was able to somehow digest, take Tim Gunn's Guide to Style for example, the show's principles. How those principles can make a tremendous transformation for someone externally and internally. Also, Ms. Kitty was there to guide us(huge relief!), as well as my CT classmates.

After everything, I learned that it's essential for fashion consultants to be sensitive to others, respectful of people's individual tastes, body types, and lifestyles. Consultants should be tactful as well as tasteful and excellent communicators. Overall, I am glad that I was able to help a lot of people. I am looking forward to having activities similar to the fashion consultation in the future as I want to edify people the importance of clothing in improving their image and wellness; and to practice and enhance my skills moreover. Certainly, I had an awesome experience as a fashion consultant. Hurrah to CT! Sayang, I wasn't able to stay longer for Ms. Kitty's treat. (Natuloy ba miss?) Hahaha I kid! ;)

<3
Tin Iglesias

Lines | Tin Iglesias

Eley Kishimito S/S 08

Truthfully, at first I was indolent to do the lab work because I did the same activity before in two of my Fine Arts classes in UST, Freehand Drawing and Mechanical Drawing. Hahaha! Those plates are still hunting me, for the reason that I got quite a number of red circular marks on my line drawings, circles, squares, ellipses and the like. *CRYYY. My professors were very meticulous! Once they see a small blot of ink or an accidental line, they will put a comment (take note: large font size) or a red mark. But as the amount of requirements and plates grew, I was able to get the hang of it and assimilate the elements of design into my other plates as well. I am not saying that I can already draw perfect lines (as I still can't haha) but I improved, bearing in mind my first few blahhh plates in CFAD. I then realized the significance of lines in creating a design.


Each kind of line produces its own effect. Straight lines indicate strength whereas curved lines signify grace and femininity. Horizontal lines imply a feeling of rest. Vertical lines communicate a feeling of spirituality and loftiness. Diagonal lines suggest a feeling of emotion or movement. Curved lines suggest calmness, security and relaxation. I actually had a slightly difficult time using the pentel pen because I am not that comfortable in using the medium. I like the tech pen and pencil better. Although the pentel pen saved a lot of time because it took a wider space.

Lines indeed have an effect. I believe that lines, one of the art elements, are the utmost diplomacies of fashion designers. With adequate knowledge on lines, a designer can invite and instruct attention. Sometimes the response is strong, every so often it is subliminal - in the perceiver or wearer. Understanding this response is fundamental to good designing. For instance, the arrangement of lines in clothing design can cause to come out heavier otherwise thinner than what actually is. The capability to articulate what is happening with a garment allows strengthening, amendment and improvement of the design.

I learned that it is a huge advantage to be able to reflect on the outcome of my design, to give explanation on what is intentional and to determine how close I am to attaining my desired result. Having awareness will also help me assess other designers' strengths and to spot changes in the fashion market. :)

♥ Tin Iglesias

My Favorite Fashion Designer | Tin Iglesias

Well, designers, in my case.

I personally adore Balmain's Christophe Decarnin for his sense of enthusiasm and boldness that is the soul, the quintessence of rock and roll. Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquiere, for his innovative taste for clothing. Avant-garde designer Ann Demeulemeester, for her cutting-edge fashion fused with being wearable. Alexander Wang, for his flair to mix opulence with edge. Olivier Theyskens, former art director of fashion house Nina Ricci, for his incredible combinations of formal and informal, tough and tender likewise. Red Label, Gold Label, Man and Anglomania's Vivienne Westwood, for her ability to create a wonderful look out of something relatively un-sexy; her designs are some of the most imaginative and novel pieces that never date. Martin Margiela, for his expertise in deconstruction and reconstruction of garments. Jeremy Scott for his inimitable and eclectic style, as well as his fearless and zestful designs. His collaborations with clothing brands have been tremendous! Marc Jacobs for his clever revamps of vintage styles; his implausible own line and Louis Vuitton. Yves Saint Laurent's Stefano Pilati, for making the brand live on superbly; whose brilliant eye's specifically tuned to the future. Japanese designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo are also spectacular. I have a penchant for the mix-match of different styles and genres of the Japanese.

Balmain, Balenciaga, Ann Demeulemeester, Alexander Wang, Nina Ricci

Vivienne Westwood, Martin Margiela, Jeremy Scott, Louis Vuitton, YSL

For the pinnacle of my post, my much-loved designer would be...

Karl Lagerfeld! I admire him because of his astounding ability to produce such vast array of designs and structures, concepts and grandeur year upon year. There is little in our world that Mr. Lagerfeld hasn't touched, inspired, or done himself. In my opinion, he is a guru of designs, a messiah of fashion, and a man of fundamental style. He inspires me, as do all of Chanel and his photographs; it is every aspect of his life that I find utterly overwhelming. Someday, I'll be like him (I'll keep my fingers crossed). :)

I love my Starbucks planner because it gives me a place to sketch my faves: YSL tribute boots and Karl Lagerfeld

Locally, it would have to be Louis Claparols, John Paras, Kermit Tesoro, Dimple Lim, Mich Dulce, Dax Bayani, Anna Leah Salvador and the list just goes on. Filipino style, I suppose, has progressed significantly in the last decade. I think that it is in accordance with the international standards.

Ms. Kitty, would you believe I have a lot more to cite? Sadly, this space wouldn't be enough to list all the fabulous designers I have high regard for, both local and international (I don't want to consume your time moreover). In fact, I had a tough time choosing my top designers. Hahaha. THIS IS BY FAR MY FAVORITE TOPIC! I LOVE!

♥ Tin Iglesias

Fashion Cycle | Tin Iglesias

I like to think that I am part of the early adapters in the fashion cycle. I am adventuresome with fashion, I live and breathe fashion on a daily basis; I mull over fashion as a self-expression, an outlet for creativity and central to my personality. I am an accessorizing style-lover, who doesn't just keep up with fashion, but pushes its confines. I am appreciative of what's driving the early market or haute couture today; it essentially helps me predict what tomorrow's next big thing will be.

In line with my passion for fashion, I love love love dressing up! But more often, because I live in a tropical country, I dress casually. People at times ask me why I am dressed up, it actually makes me self-consciously speculate if I am over-dressed; but I always take it as a compliment. Instead of saying I always dress like this, which I believe could sound rather discourteous; I usually say, just because and smile like I am up to something, unless I do have a definite reason, in which case I generally do not mind giving it. I was also featured in a couple of fashion and style websites. Honestly, it feels great and boosts my self-esteem, which I think is good.

However, I regard myself part of the bigger chunk of the market, fashion followers, too. I am also the type of person who converts trends into big hits. I am bound to other concerns as well - effort, time, budget, and whatnot; nevertheless I surely want to look good at all times. Although this doesn't mean that I have to follow every complex procedure or burn a hole in my wallet. Yes, I value the significance of fairly expensive and new products but also love the satisfaction of unearthing good and reasonably priced finds in stores.

I dress what makes me feel good and what makes me feel myself, no matter what. This is what I have been primarily learning from Ms. Kitty and CT lectures. Whatever sort of glamorous fun I am off to, I should show personal style through my clothing. Whether I am a fashion motivator or a fashion adapter, I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I emanate individuality.

♥ Tin Iglesias

My Very Own Style | Tin Iglesias

Clothing Personality & Philosophy

I always have a hard time describing my clothing personality or style because it is frequently varying. I would say it is the expression of everything around me and everything that I love. I am actually motivated by everything that touches me, whether it is a painting, a song, or an outfit from the runway. It really depends on my mood and what influences me at the particular moment. I guess the entire basis for my style would be what I think is aesthetically pleasing and uncomplicated to work with; it comes from my innate yearning to be artistic and exceptional with what I wear. I have so much fun experimenting and playing with different looks and styles; and for that reason, eclectic would best define my clothing personality.

Photos from my Chictopia and Lookbook accounts / Shameless plug *Toink*

On a completely related note, my clothing philosophy would be The genuinely fashionable is outside the limits of fashion. Dare to defy! If I want to look exceptionally good, it has to be tempered with eccentricity so that it incorporates my own personality. I think I am pretty open to other styles in general - I wear what I feel like wearing without compromising humility, comfort and self-confidence. I believe that dressing up is great, but I need a twist. Let's just say that I am without barriers; I could dare to wear anything at whichever time I please. :)

ECLECTIC
One word to describe my style.
(This is the first page of my croquis book. I used watercolor, acrylic, poster, felt-tip pens and cut-outs from magazines.)

Oh and I am in fact having all sorts of fashion realizations lately. Fashion is not exclusive to celebrities, models and those who can manage to pay for the latest designer clothes. Creating a personal style is one way to develop an image that you want to emanate to the people around you. I suppose creating a personal style is a work in development. It does not come without human intervention; it is a progression of experimenting on diverse genres. Methinks even fashion icons may have had to go through numerous criticisms before they determined what looked preeminent on them. Truckloads of thank you to Ms. Kitty for incessantly helping me discover my clothing personality!

♥ Tin Iglesias

Clothing Motivations | Tin Iglesias

Below is an old photograph of my mom taken at the Hong Kong Ocean Park. She opted to wear a long skirt and tights to protect her from the country's climate condition. The activities she did on that particular day possibly influenced her choice of outfit. Light clothing's necessary since she wanted comfortable and casual to wear pieces; ideal for strolling around the park.

My mom's clothing essentially emulated the French style of woman's clothing. Personally, I think this classic look still has a place in today's fashion with diverse renditions, merely because it's lovely, comfortable and represented youthful enthusiasm! Below, on the other hand, is a recent photograph of my mom and I; also taken in Hong Kong.

Perceptibly, our outfits were influenced by the contemporary fashion. Akin to my mom's clothing in the former photo, these outfits are very casual. We did lots of walking and shopping hence the unfussy tops and flat boots worn over jeans. Also, we knew for a fact that April weather in Hong Kong's very pleasant, however, there are irregular spells of high humidity, fog and drizzle that can be chiefly wearisome. Accordingly, we brought jackets and blazers to protect us from the breezy weather.

Indeed, the nature of new fashion and styles are impossible to predict and the rate of change between old and new is consistent. We defy moving fashions by persistently reinventing images based on our instincts, behaviors and cultures, to appear new.

♥ Tin Iglesias

Conformity Versus Individuality | Tin Iglesias

As a human being my life is centered on the thin line that divides conformity and individuality. Many times I am baffled and rushed, and I draw this line too short or too long, consequently being excessively of a conformist or an individual.

Conformity is vital to life. Humans, being multifaceted animals, live in a society that functions as a whole. If there is an inaccuracy, the entire system may disintegrate. But, I think it is perfectly natural. People naturally want to belong to something bigger and be accepted by others. Nevertheless in modern terms, this approval can only be attained by going further than natural conformity and pacing into accepted conformity. At that firm stage, we tend to go after the same trends in style and personal taste, whether it is fashion, music, movies or even morals.

Individuality, resembling conformity, is vital to life even though contemporary man may not acknowledge its value. At one point, people want to be different from all the rest in one way or another. So we might form our opinions based on what we really feel. Notwithstanding, sooner or later we are forced to restrain our impulsive desires so that society does not label us as strange or weird, merely because we fear being alone.

Modern life is truly confusing, so sometimes our vision is blurred and our choices, made in the midst of perplexity, may force us in tremendous directions of either conformity or individuality. We cannot have one without the other. We cannot have conformity unless there are individuals to conform. And we cannot have individuality unless there is conformity to break free of. I strongly believe that conformity may govern our lives, but there is always a chance to make a mark, to become more of an individual than a clone. To renounce our identity by following the crowd is to deny the world of our potentially unique contribution. Although I care what other people think, because I think, and therefore I value thinking even if it is not solely mine. Caring what other people think is an indisputable truth of being a human being, and an utter necessity for being a creatively thinking one.

♥ Tin Iglesias

061809 | Tin Iglesias

Many people deem in the cliché "Do not judge a book by its cover": But why not? Generally, clothing plays a pivotal role in first impressions. Through the personal profile activity, I gained knowledge on the significance of clothing in creating first impressions and identifying the wearer with a particular group or lifestyle. Diverse styles and brands of clothing can be correlated to different cliques of people. It seems that the stereotypes associated to the cliques or groups, have become a pigeonhole of the clothing. Styles shifting from preppy to droopy, to punk and tight, can be found all over the place and stereotypes have found their way into just about every style of clothing worn. Once exploring this concept, one may have a question as to whether or not this is vigorous and if our society can function this way with all the exertion and distinction already put on clothes. Stereotypes can limit and confuse people, nevertheless I think it's merely a value, and perhaps by each person taking on a stereotype it adds a slight variety.

I have also learned that one's life expectations are masqueraded though the clothing they wear. How people dress give intuitiveness into the person’s aspirations beneath without spoken words. Furthermore, the lecture emphasized that the society recognizes the role of clothing as a styling mantra; otherwise a communicator of information during social interaction and as an aid in the enterprise of self-identity. I firmly believe that as a person builds self-identity, self-esteem and use of clothing to affect its augmentation become imperative aspects of his or her development.

Not only did the activity teach me about the importance of clothing, I was able to gain a new friend in class as well! Over the years, I have come across a few getting-to-know-you activities that I really take pleasure in; including the personal profile activity, which was an exceptional and amusing way of looking at the social and psychological aspects of wearing clothes. It elevated respect for my partner and I, sparked friendship, encouraged participation and allowed us to see things that we have in common. :)

♥ Tin Iglesias