Francis Libiran ‘reborn’ in otherworldly show
The discordant notes struck as pillars of light beamed around the circular runway. One by one, models with heads made to look like stretched skulls came out in otherworldly ensembles that glinted and gleamed under the sharp illumination. They did not strut, they sauntered. They did not pause, they posed—and, boy, did they pose.
The theatrics was so over-the-top yet matched perfectly the drama of each of Francis Libiran’s mind-blowing creations that the crowd couldn’t help but drink it all in. The structure, the spirit, the sparkles that shone like stars plucked from galaxies of gold, black, red and silver all made the collection so breathtakingly beautiful that had it been an alien abduction, a few of us in the audience might have undoubtedly happily surrendered to this new and elegantly sultry extraterrestrial race.
It was the renowned fashion designer’s silver anniversary, and his “Sterling” show at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City might have ended with a supernova of a gown, but it did not signal the end. In fact, his 25-piece repertoire, aptly called the “Phoenix” collection, is a new beginning—a rebirth, a resurgence, even a reinvention.
“Being in the business for 25 years, we have our ups and downs, and “Phoenix” is a good way of celebrating rising from the ashes,” Libiran told Lifestyle.But while he admitted to having “so many challenges,” he’s still thankful for everything. Asked what has been the highlight of his 25-year career, Libiran laughingly said, “Still being here.”
He added, “I’m thankful for everything. Just by being creative on a daily basis is a gift from God, and to be able to give joy to all my clients with my talent is such a gift already for me.”Going into retail
According to him, this latest collection is a different take from what he has been doing in the past, so his team also wanted to make the show different from the usual runway presentation—something that director Ariel Lozada soundly delivered. Consultant Henri Calayag with hair and makeup artist Eric Maningat designed the models’ theatrical look.
In this collection, Libiran said he played with a lot of elements—textures, layers, patterns, beading and techniques—leaning heavily into his architecture background.
“The discipline, the way we conceptualize things, is what I got from studying architecture,” he said, emphasizing his love for lines. “If you see the beading, it’s more linear. If you see the structure of the garments inside—the wiring and everything—it has an architectural technique to it.”
Indeed, every piece is a work of art worthy of each of the 25 years Libiran has been in the industry—daring, dynamic and devastatingly delectable.
He also revealed plans of going into retail next year, starting with his perfume line and, soon, going back to his architecture roots with a home furnishing line.
“I love scents. Every day, I’m drawn to scents that remind me of a place, a memory, an experience. That’s why I’m very particular about scents,” he said.
Prior to his show, the Francis Libiran Perfumes—sweet Gardenia Mango, woodsy Spicy Oud and clean-smelling Neroli Clavel—created by Renato Lopena Jr. was introduced. Part of the proceeds from the perfumes’ sales that evening would go to help fund Libiran’s advocacy for children’s welfare, education and development through CBN Asia and Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines.
Just as he heavily references architecture in his suits and gowns, he said he will also be doing it the other way around, retaining his aesthetic as a fashion designer and deriving inspiration from his couture collections to create his home pieces.
However, he admitted to finding designing for different things—clothes, scents and home furnishing—very challenging, but he is ready to take it on.
“Each one has a different output, a different technique when you’re doing it, but the creativity is still there,” he said. “Anything about designing, I’m on it. Give me a challenge about designing and I would do it.” INQ
