When Ehrran Montoya mounts a runway show, it is not just about the clothes. It is also about taking his audience to a fantasy world. And that’s what happened in his recent showcase. Presented at the Cyrsos Spring Glamour Fashion Show last Oct. 27 was his latest line dubbed “Spora,” a spellbinding collection that captures the designer’s ethereal aesthetic with segments that are all about beautiful transformations.

“Spora” or “spore” in biology is a reproductive particle, usually a single cell released by a fungus, alga, or plant that may germinate into another, according to the designer. To dive deep into his inspiration, Ehrran divided his collection into five series—”Thorax,” “Cecropia,” “Fusarium,” “Fungus,” and “Monarch.”

“I divided it into series so I can freely express my vision as it will help me decide on color references and design inspirations,” Ehrran told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “‘Spora' collection is a celebration of life. It all started with my first collection ‘Lepidoptera,’ which was released during the height of the pandemic. It was followed by “The Secrets of Metamorphosis,” showcasing the very core of my design aesthetic and magical inspirations. Later on, ‘Chrysalis’ was released, and I made it reverse from the life cycle of the butterfly.”

Ehrran’s “Spora” began with “Thorax,” a parade of pristine white pieces donned by the country’s international pageant representatives Pauline Amelinckx, Annabelle Mcdonelle, Maureen Montagne, and Johanness Rissler. Inspired by the exoskeleton and wings of butterflies, the looks explored sculptural design elements with silhouettes that merge light and airiness with the modern vibe of artificial intelligence.

The designer’s fashion presentation continued with “Cecropia,” which centered on the idea of the Cecropia Moth representing transformation, rebirth, intuition, and embracing vulnerability. Beauty queens Sam Santamaria and Dindi Pajares, among others, donned dramatic black garbs made of matte taffeta, matte jusi, and see-through textiles.

Dreamy in soft blue, gray, and lavender was the “Fusarium” series. Ehrran sent down the runway pieces that played with the aesthetic of his “Chrysalis” collection. It had new elements that showcased matte silk materials, brocade, embroidered layers, beaded materials, electric pleated tulle, and hand-painted techniques.

Drag artists Naia Black, Marina Summers, and Precious Paula Nicole walked down the runway for Ehrran’s “Fungus” series. They wore pieces in fiery red to represent power and strength. While the design of their looks was a nod to the beauty of the fungi kingdom.

The highlight of his show was the “Monarch” series. Leading this series were actresses Barbie Forteza and Arci Muñoz, wearing a halter gown with a detachable train and a serpentine gown with a veil, respectively. Basketball player Ricci Rivero also graced the runway wearing an overlap suit ensemble in a blue nova tone. Closing the show was actress Rhian Ramos in a corseted ball gown with patterns of monarch wings all over.

To make the collection possible, Ehrran worked with accessory designers and brands Luna by Drake Dustin, Farah Abu, and Christopher Munar. While Doreen Odvina of Shoepatos by Doreen to crafted custom shoes for each model.

The “Spora” collection also marked the second anniversary of Ehrran’s atelier. For him, it chronicled his journey as a young fashion designer, from honing his skills and making a unique design identity to creating his own brand and finding his path to soar in the industry.

“All of us will experience metamorphosis several times during our lives, exchanging one identity for another. Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in our way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis,” the designer mused. “The collection is about being brave enough to conquer your fears. Find the light, move forward, and take flight! Fly high! “

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