BEHIND THE SEAMS

These bright, young sartorial talents are making a mark on the Philippine fashion industry one stitch at a time

- Julianna Cabili

CHRIS NICK

The cool Chris Nick Delos Reyes, more commonly acknowledged by his first two names, considers his eponymous label as more than just a brand but a lifestyle. The 30-yearold designer remembers his career coming together in “one huge wave”. Only six months after launching his brand in 2019, he had his work featured on 11 magazine covers and in three fashion shows. “It was so crazy but so full. I realised how much I loved it. I woke up everyday never feeling like what I did was work because I genuinely enjoyed it.”

Driven by a lifelong love affair with fashion, art and film, and informed by a discerning eye for beautiful things, Delos Reyes boasts a portfolio that exudes a clean-cut and exceedingly sensual refinement. Pieces are minimal but elegantly structured, exclusively all-black, and spliced with aspects of the tuxedo, his favourite article of clothing. It has a kind of flair that recalls the hedonistic heydays of New York City nightlife, atmospheric dinner dates at Uma Nota, and martini orders at hotel bars. “There’s a way to have something classic look not dated,” he says. “I’d like to believe that the clothes I make are timeless but at the same time, a sign of the times.”

STACY RODRIGUZ

Coming from an artistic family that exposed her to the many aspects of design, Eustacia Rodriguez, better known as Stacy, recalls organising fashion shows for her Barbie dolls and learning how to sew at a young age.