When we talk about aura, more often than not, people tend to say, “You have this certain glow.” Some pair it with other terms, say, confidence, power, relaxation, and joy. It is kind of hard to really identify its meaning. Merriam-Webster alone has a handful of definitions for it.

But, for many, the easiest way to give meaning to aura is through colors. Whether viewed as a spiritual energy, a reflection of one’s personality, or simply a metaphor for the impression we leave on others, these colors have long been associated with different emotions, qualities, and energies.

That’s exactly what Filipino fashion designer Kelvin Morales is trying to discover with his latest collection: the ever-changing energy that surrounds us. Aptly titled “Aura,” the line also marks his first foray into womenswear, with pieces that are unconventional yet still familiar.

“About two years ago, I became really sensitive to people's energy. I started noticing what I interpreted as different aura colors around people. It honestly sounded strange even to me, so I got curious and started reading about what each color could mean,” Kelvin tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Surprisingly, a lot of it felt accurate based on the people around me. What fascinated me the most is that an aura isn't just one color—it shifts, blends, and changes.”

It was in October last year when Kelvin started to conceive the collection. He used the aura colors he saw from the people who surrounded him as a guide for his process. And that is important. He wanted it to be intentional, rather than simply playing with trending hues or choosing colors based on what was popular at the time.

In this way, the collection became more than an exercise in color; it became a visual interpretation of the human energy he encountered around him. The challenge now is how to reflect them through his garments.

“I worked with a lot of sheer and textured fabrics because I wanted to show layers and transitions, almost like how an aura changes,” the designer muses. “I also played with different fabric depths, layering, and adjustable details so the pieces could transform depending on how they're worn.”

Another unique perspective he is trying to convey with the collection is his take on womenswear. He asked himself the question: “If I were designing clothes for myself as a woman, what would I want?” The result is a play on contrast: delicate textiles are used for structured silhouettes, everyday pieces like denim and tops are paired with pieces featuring fabric manipulation, and minimalist whites serve as a canvas for decorative elements.

“I found myself designing for someone who appreciates a more understated, tomboy-chic style,” Kelvin explains. “I'd want pieces that are versatile, easy to style, and something I could keep wearing for years. I didn't want clothes that only work for one occasion. I wanted them to adapt to different women and different lifestyles.”

When designing a collection that is inspired by things the naked eye doesn’t usually see, one has to be more creative to fully imbibe its spirit. In Kelvin’s case, sound and scents helped.

“I'm such a vibe person. I always need the right playlist and even the right scent whenever I'm designing a collection,” he confesses. “For ‘Aura,’ I kept listening to ‘Window’ by MC Yogi. It has this calm, uplifting energy that feels like sunlight recharging you. I also wore Blanche by Byredo because it's such a clean and pure scent. It reminds me of fresh laundry and clouds. Those little things really help me get into the creative mood.”

According to Kelvin, talking about aura and energy is still a bit taboo for some people, but he realized that a lot of the people around him genuinely believe in auras, crystals, and energy as a form of guidance or protection. He thought it would be interesting to translate that into fashion.

“I hope it opens people's minds a little more. Whether you believe in aura or not, I think it's interesting to realize that there are so many different ways of seeing the world,” Kelvin concludes.