Jay-r Gamboa Flores

A KINGDOM OF INSPIRATION

Sultan Kudarat, named after the legendary Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat who fiercely resisted Spanish colonization in the 17th century, serves as the perfect backdrop for Flores' creative journey. This land, steeped in history and cultural diversity, has become the wellspring of inspiration for his breathtaking designs.

"Being here in Sultan Kudarat helps me connect with the local culture of the Moro tribal group, the datus (tribal leaders of the Moro people), and other local tribes, while also staying connected to my roots in Luzon and the Visayas," Flores explains. This unique blend of cultural influences has become the signature of his work, setting him apart in the competitive world of fashion design.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO ROYAL APPROVAL

Born to dressmaker parents who moved to Sultan Kudarat in the 1970s, Flores grew up surrounded by the hum of sewing machines and the rustle of fabric. Despite initially pursuing education and nursing, the siren call of fashion design never left him. Without access to formal fashion design education, Jay-r turned this potential setback into his greatest strength, learning from his parents and drawing inspiration from his cultural heritage.

In 2012, Flores took a leap of faith and founded 'Gawang Flores,' a brand name that pays homage to his family and upbringing. "I want to devote my career, and dreams to my parents," he shares. Little did he know that this heartfelt tribute would soon garner recognition from local royalty.

WEAVING CULTURE INTO COUTURE

What sets Flores' designs apart is his masterful integration of local tribal influences. Drawing inspiration from the Moro, T'boli, and Blaan cultures, his creations are a symphony of intricate embroidery, dazzling beadwork, and vibrant colors that tell stories of ancient traditions and modern elegance.

Flores understands the responsibility that comes with his craft. "As a designer, I have to be careful with the use of traditional woven fabrics. I have the knowledge of the fabric, but I have to establish kinship with the communities in order to obtain their approval," he reflects. For the inaul fabric from the Moro community, Flores not only educated himself about the local culture, but also visited the weavers to understand their process. He established a good relationship with AMIN (Asosasyon ng mga Manghahabi ng Inaul ng Nuling), the inaul fabric weaver's organization.

CHALLENGES AND GROWTH

As a self-taught designer based in Sultan Kudarat, Flores faces unique challenges. Unlike designers based in Manila or those who attended fashion design schools, he has had to join contests not only to showcase his skills, but also to establish connections leading to future clients. "I am not from a wealthy family, so I had to start from scratch. I even had to build my own mannequin before," Flores recalls.

Learning and staying on top of cultural details and norms in the region has also been a journey. "I once created a dress to represent the Blaan tribal group, but I was criticized because the dress did not represent them in detail. I had to apologize and ask the tribal head to educate me more about their culture," Flores notes, highlighting his commitment to cultural authenticity and respect.

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS

Looking ahead, Flores plans to expand his 'Gawang Flores' brand by continuing to incorporate traditional design elements from Mindanao's tribal groups into his creations while broadening his ready-to-wear collection to include jackets, boleros, and potentially a men's clothing line. His ultimate goal is to elevate the brand to international recognition by establishing a presence in boutiques across key fashion capitals and participating in global fashion events. Flores aims to showcase the beauty of Filipino design on the world stage while preserving Mindanao's rich cultural heritage, emphasizing sustainable and ethical production methods to appeal to conscious consumers worldwide.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING DESIGNERS

To those following in his footsteps, Flores offers sage advice: "If this is what you want to do, prepare yourself. Have a lot of patience, make sacrifices, and be ready for sleepless nights. You need to be tough because you will encounter different types of clients, including difficult ones. Be humble and always have room for learning. When your work is not appreciated, it doesn't mean you are not worthy to be a designer."

Flores' journey from humble beginnings to royal acclaim exemplifies the profound impact of authenticity and cultural heritage in high fashion. By weaving the rich traditions of various indigenous groups from his region into his designs, he not only transforms the fashion landscape but also advocates for greater representation and inclusivity on the global stage. His commitment to celebrating traditional craftsmanship challenges the industry's norms and inspires others to embrace their own cultural identities. Ultimately, Flores reminds us that true elegance lies in the artistry and techniques passed down through generations of diverse communities, making high fashion a vibrant tapestry of indigenous heritage and skill.

As Jay-r Gamboa Flores continues to push the boundaries of fashion, weaving together threads of tradition and innovation, one thing is clear: from the heart of Sultan Kudarat, a couture virtuoso has emerged. His exceptional skill in creating bespoke, high-end garments that blend Mindanao's rich cultural heritage with contemporary elegance sets him apart in the world of haute couture.