Designing is more than just making something that covers that body. It is an avenue to express creativity. Every cut, seam, and fold is expertly done to tell a story, and for many designers, it is all about celebrating life and people who made a mark in their lives. That case is true for Alissa Tagarao, a recent graduate of the Fashion Insitute of the Philippines (FIP). As she marks the beginning of her foray into the local fashion scene, the designer took a retrospective journey and chose to put the spotlight on the women who inspired her to be one.
Presented on the runway of the FIP’s Graduation Show 2023 was Alissa’s collection titled “Forgotten Memories, Remembered.” The four-piece avant-garde collection is her tribute to her late grandmother Candida, who suffered from dementia.
“My grandma's struggles and the gradual fade of her memories acted as the catalyst for a collection that aims to give a voice to those who have experienced the challenges of dementia within their families,” Alissa told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “While the collection's central theme revolves around a difficult subject, its intention is not to dwell solely on sadness. Instead, it seeks to transform these sad memories into something beautiful and meaningful. It embodies the idea that even in the face of adversity, there is an opportunity to create something extraordinary and to remember a loved one in a way that honors their spirit.”
Apart from her grandmother, the works of William Utermohlen, an artist known for creating self-portraits after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, also became an inspiration for Alissa’s collection. His influence can be seen in the designer’s textile treatment. Colorful and beautifully bizarre are the pieces she sent down the runway such as the layered pants turned into a dress and an upsidedown dress, which led the audience to raise their phones to capture the moment.
“The collection's color palette and fabric print draw from William Utermohlen's self-portraits, which depict the progression of his battle with Alzheimer's disease. At the heart of this collection, however, lies not only Utermohlen's artistic legacy but also the profound impact my grandma had on my life,” the designer said. “The collection's design choices reflect my last memories of her. She would frequently layer multiple shorts and t-shirts as she battled dementia.”
Apart from her grandmother Candida, Alissa also owes it to her other grandmother Josephina, a skilled seamstress who suffered from polio, in inspiring her to pursue a career as a designer and attend classes at the FIP. As she carves her name in the local fashion scene, she believes that new breeds of creatives like her will take Filipino fashion to the next level.
“I believe that the future of local fashion will be brimming with exceptionally talented designers who will propel the industry to compete not just within their own borders, but also on a global scale,” Alissa ended.
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