The BECOMING of VILRIQUE

Young designer Vilrick Cruz is making a case for Renaissance-inspired sculptural pieces. How is he challenging the traditional aesthetic of fashion through his artistry?

- MARIAN SAN PEDRO

Not a lot of people can nonchalantly answer what propels them to move forward with their craft. But, designer Vilrick Cruz is a different case. “The reason why I pushed through with my fashion journey is because, why not?” he says in an easy, matter-of-fact manner as he alludes to his first ever collection—his thesis collection—which he released last year. “I also found my fashion DNA, which is sculptural artistry. I always like to challenge myself to resurface hard materials, such as leather. I not only see myself as a designer but also an artist.”

Having been raised in Qatar, Cruz marries his own history and personal narrative with his work. His main inspiration is the Renaissance period, particularly the masterpieces of sculptor Michelangelo and painter Sandro Botticelli. Contrary to how designers usually start with sketches and illustrations when conceptualizing, Cruz heads straight to experimenting with materials.