The world of fashion design is such a jam-packed place that to successfully thrive in it and stay in the industry for a long time would mean moving mountains to conquer heaven and earth. Thus, today’s generation of designers are faced with a larger task— besides proving to everybody that they are worth a place in the fashion design world just like their mentors, they must also become inspiring models for those who will start in the business in a few more years or so.
Davao’s Dodgie Batu, Popoy, and Aztec Barba are the perfect examples of those who remain true to their craft, and remain humble enough to share their talents to others. Starting from scratch, the trio now has two shops, catering to the Davao and General Santos City fashion clientele. With Dodgie handling the finances, Popoy on production and Aztec on marketing, their business grew, giving them courage and motivation to join Manila shows especially the ones facilitated by the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
And just recently, to celebrate the success of their team, the three, together with Margie Moran-Floreindo and Baby Montemayor, staged an afternoon fashion show at the lobby of Davao’s premiere hotel, Marco Polo.
Featured in the collection were revelations of their fancies. Dodgie opted for soft, flowing, romantic pieces. Popoy made curvilinear black and whites and Aztec gave corsets, halters, pants and skirts a twist with strips of silk tapes. The neutral shades of brown, white, black and beige gave their clothes a more wearable appeal.
With the trio’s creativity, which is making them visible in the industry these days, the design triumvirate would always receive offers to open a shop here in Manila. Who knows when? We’re all in for a great surprise!
Meantime, watch for their wedding fair next year. And save those bills for a roundtrip ticket to Davao.
