It is an understatement to say that the Philippines is a paradise for tourists. With its stunning mountain views, ancient structures, and crystal clear beaches, people have a myriad of things to do and explore in the country. But what some travelers seek to experience here is something beyond the surface.
For years, the Philippines has gained many recognitions for the beauty of its diving spots. These submerged wonderworlds are home to diverse sea creatures, among them are the nudibranchs. These sea slugs are a sight to behold underwater with their colors, patterns, and gentle movement, making them a good source of inspiration for many creatives.
The latest to look at the nudibranch as a muse is fashion designer Cristantine Caparos. During the Fashion Institute of the Philippines’ Graduation Show 2023, he unveiled his graduation collection which is eccentric and outlandish, much like his sea slug inspiration.
“I usually get inspired by things I find here in the Philippines and in one of my diving trips I saw these colorful creatures which sparked my interest,” the designer said. “The collection is inspired by the nudibranchs, which are commonly found in Anilao, Batangas—the nudibranch capital of the world.”
Titled “Nudi,” the four-piece collection features avant-garde looks that showcase Cristantine’s design prowess and knack for the bizarre. The collection’s name is a nod to the terms "nude" or "naked" because, unlike other molluscs like snails and clams, the nudibranchs shed their shells, “showing their naked, true, and colorful selves, even in the dark.”
To make the collection as colorful as the sea creature, Cristantine painted the fabrics he used. Adding textures to the pieces are his spikes embellishments, painted dots, and fuzzy trimmings. “The colors of the paint and nylon cords I used were fluorescent to achieve that underwater glow-in-the-dark effect, similar to the nudibranchs,” he said. “These creatures are considered as hermaphrodites, hence the gender-fluid silhouettes in the collection.”
Pursuing a career in fashion is a natural step for Cristantine. According to him, he grew up in a family with a background in the garment industry. His maternal grandmother, Fortunata Red, used to own a garment manufacturing plant, while on his father’s side, his grandfather, Buenaventura Caparos, was a tailor.
“I would always play with the bobbins with different colored threads in my lola's house and I would always get scolded, which sparked my curiosity as to what they were for,” Cristantine told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “I was amazed while watching some of the sewers use the bobbins and create these cool garments. I guess that's where it started.”
Check out Cristantine Caparos’ “Nudi” collection below:
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