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Brian Hoang Vietnam 1/4 Brian was born in Vietnam a few years after the war ended. When he was just two years old, he and his parents left the country and spent about six months in a refugee camp before relocating to Canada. As a child, Brian was captivated by his father's ability to pose action figures and draw them. Witnessing his dad transform a tangible object into a drawing inspired him deeply. When Brian discovered comic books in grade six, he knew art was his true calling. He pursued this passion by enrolling in and graduating from the Interpretive Illustration program at Sheridan College in Oakville, ON, just 30 minutes outside Toronto. After years of balancing a day job with his art on the side, Brian transitioned to full-time artistry in 2014, supported by his wife, an artist he met in college. Initially influenced by pop culture media, Brian's work took a transformative turn in 2019 as he embarked on a journey to reconnect with his Vietnamese roots, which has since become the central theme of his art. Previous Next

Veejay Floresca Trans-woman Couturier Championing Diversity and Innovation: The Inspirational Journey of Veejay Floresca in Fashion The fashion industry's evolving demand for diversity is ushering in a new era, rooted in inclusivity and gender fluidity. Leading this revolution is the inspiring Veejay Floresca, whose creative brilliance as a transwoman couturier in San Francisco, California, stands as a testament to her success. Raised in the vibrant urban landscape of Pasay City in Metro Manila, Veejay Floresca's early aspirations were influenced by her father's legal career. The city's rich cultural heritage, highlighted by the prestigious Cultural Center of the Philippines, added depth to her upbringing. However, Veejay's path took a significant turn when her father passed away before she could complete high school. Navigating the challenges of competitive college admissions and financial constraints, Veejay found herself at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. During her admission interview, she tearfully recounted her father's passing and the ensuing financial hardships, which made college seem unattainable. Touched by her story, the college awarded her a full scholarship. While the institution lacked a pre-law program, it unveiled an unexpected opportunity in fashion design. Embracing this new direction, Veejay excelled, ultimately graduating summa cum laude. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, "Destiny led me to fashion design. Like in a beauty pageant, if a crown isn't meant for you, then it's not, regardless of how many times you compete." Determined and goal-oriented, Veejay embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by founding her own business. With savings in hand, she journeyed to London for a six-month bridal wear program before pursuing a master's degree in fashion design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where she chose to settle. When asked about the industry's challenges, Veejay candidly replied, "You really need financial backing. It's tough, especially in the U.S." Juggling multiple roles in her one-woman enterprise, she serves as designer, pattern-maker, delivery person, and social media manager. Recalling an early success during her college years, Veejay shared her experience of participating in a prestigious design competition in the Philippines. Selected for Team Philippines in Paris, she faced a daunting obstacle: lack of funds for the trip. "I couldn't afford Paris, so I cried," Veejay confessed. Fortunately, a co-designer stepped in, ensuring her creation graced the international stage. "Fashion is an art, a business, and a platform for social activism," Veejay asserted. While runways once exclusively featured size 0 models, inclusivity now reigns, showcasing diversity in age, body type, and identity. Raised in a country rich in cultural diversity, Veejay promotes her heritage by infusing Filipino design elements, such as pineapple textiles and traditional butterfly sleeves, into her creations. "I'm a proud Filipina designer, embracing my roots," she affirmed. Veejay's latest endeavor champions sustainability through upcycling. "As a transwoman, my clothes reflect who I am," she noted. Deconstructing men's attire to suit women, Veejay finds joy in the science of upcycling. Reflecting on her scholarship-supported journey, Veejay emphasizes the importance of giving back. Through The Veejay Floresca Foundation Grant, she sponsors four aspiring fashion designers in the Philippines, including transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. "Their success is my accomplishment," Veejay concluded. A pillar of strength in her own narrative, Veejay Floresca fearlessly opens up about her journey through past and present obstacles, undeterred by setbacks but rather fueled by the promise of her future success. She's truly a rising phoenix, embodying resilience and determination that deeply resonates with us all. Photo credit: Provided by Veejay Floresca Previous Next

Artist Yessiow - Each one braid one.JPG Yessiow - Flowing Passage 1.0_2026_Yessiow.JPG Yessiow - Soft Inside_2025.png Yessiow - Each one braid one.JPG 1/4 Images Provided by Yessiow Yessiow is a multidisciplinary artist who grew up in Bali, Indonesia. With Javanese roots and a deep connection to Balinese culture, she was immersed in a blend of traditions from an early age. This dual heritage continues to shape her artistic identity, informing the patterns,colors, and storytelling elements found throughout her work. She is best known for her vibrant street art and large-scale murals that weave together narratives of place, community, and everyday life through bold color, playful forms, and personal storytelling. Since beginning her mural practice in 2013, Yessiow has developed a visual language heavily influenced by ancient Greek pottery, natural objects, and bright tropical colors. Pot and vase forms frequently appear throughout her work as symbolic representations of comfort zones, becoming storytelling devices that help her reflect on belonging, memory, movement, and human connection. Through these recurring forms, she often narrates stories about the communities she collaborates with and the places she paints in. After graduating in 2018, Yessiow and her partner, Stijn, set off on a journey to explore the world, initially driven by curiosity rather than artistic ambition. Their travels took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 pandemic led them to stay in India for nearly two years. During this period, Yessiow immersed herself in painting on the streets and developed a deeper relationship with public art. In India, she painted her first four-story mural, an experience that solidified her passion for large-scale walls and strengthened her interest in connecting with communities through art. What began there soon evolved into an international mural practice. Since then, Yessiow has painted walls across a wide range of cultural and urban landscapes, creating public works in countries including Italy, Greece, Jordan, South Africa, Japan, Vietnam, Serbia, Australia and beyond. Each place has further shaped her approach to storytelling through murals, rooted in local encounters, shared spaces, and human connection. In recent years, Yessiow has expanded her practice beyond murals into textile and mixed-media installation works. Drawing inspiration from her parents, who have a lifelong practice in knitting, she began reconnecting with her roots by integrating hand-knitted elements into her paintings and installations. Her current studio practice explores themes of memory, domesticity, inherited craft, and intergenerational collaboration, often combining fabric, paint, and sculptural forms to create tactile and layered works. Alongside her artistic practice, Yessiow has initiated several projects that support the wider street art community. In 2021, she founded Street Art Calls , a platform created from her own struggles finding opportunities during the early stages of her career. What began as a personal archive of global open calls quickly evolved into an international resource used by artists worldwide. In 2023, after returning to Bali, she co-founded the Tangi Street Art Festival , a community-driven initiative dedicated to public art and cultural exchange on the island. In 2025, she launched Far East Mural , a platform supporting and connecting female street artists across Asia and beyond. These initiatives reflect the same values that run through her artistic practice: collaboration, accessibility, storytelling, and creating space for others. Her contributions to art, public space, and social impact have received international recognition, and in 2024 she was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in the Arts category. Upcoming shows and projects: 1. Artraga with Connected Art Platform, Jakarta Indonesia - June 2026 2. ⁠ Salon et Cetera with Ace House Collective, Yogyakarta, Indonesia - June 2026 3. Ubud Open Studio, Bali, Indonesia - June 2026 4. Ibug Street Art Festival, Riesa, Germany - August 2026 Previous Next

< Back Nguyễn Manh Lan Modern Masculinity: The Journey of Nguyễn Manh Lan, Mr. Vietnam 2024 Male pageantry, though less prominent than its female counterpart, is reshaping cultural ideals of masculinity. It moves beyond physical appearance, emphasizing intellect, talent, and character while celebrating diversity in backgrounds and body types. Nguyễn Manh Lan, crowned Mr. Vietnam 2024, exemplifies this shift through his remarkable achievements, showcasing a harmonious balance of beauty, strength, and individuality that reflects a progressive view of modern masculinity. Early Life and Education Nguyễn Manh Lan, a proud son of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, embodies a blend of determination and adaptability. A graduate of the College of Television (CTV), he honed his skills in broadcasting and television, building the foundation for his versatile career. After a brief stint as a cameraman, Nguyễn ventured into the modeling world at just 21, marking the beginning of his journey in the spotlight. Beyond his creative pursuits, he contributed as an English translator, assisting his mother with document translations—a role he credits with significantly improving his English skills. “This is how I was able to improve my English,” Nguyễn reflects. Career Challenges and Breakthrough In 2015, Nguyễn entered the Supermodel Contest held in Ho Chi Minh City but did not claim victory. “I was physically heavy back then, and I did not know how to improve myself,” he recalled, reflecting on the challenges he faced early in his career. Recognizing the limited opportunities in Hanoi, he moved to Saigon, where he discovered a thriving scene that offered more work in modeling and acting for TV series and films. “Saigon has more work opportunities for me,” Nguyễn explained, appreciating the city’s dynamic environment. His determination paid off in 2016 when he made his runway debut at the highly anticipated Vietnam International Fashion Week, marking a significant milestone in his growing career. Overcoming Setbacks Nguyễn’s rising success has not been without its challenges. “I began seeing my friends receiving more opportunities to work as models and actors on television and in movies, while I wasn’t,” he shared. “It was very difficult for me to watch, and it made me feel incredibly impatient.” However, he used this frustration as motivation for self-improvement. “I realized that there was still plenty for me to work on,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of continual growth. His determination and resilience ultimately led to his victory as Mr. Vietnam 2024, a title that marks the pinnacle of a hard-earned journey for this nearly 6 feet 4 inches tall young gentleman. Recent Achievement: First Runner-Up at the 16th Mister International Competition Adding to his impressive journey, Nguyễn Manh Lan recently secured the first runner-up position at the 16th Mister International competition, held in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 14, 2024. This achievement further solidifies his reputation on the international stage, highlighting his continued rise as a prominent figure in male pageantry and reinforcing his advocacies, redefining modern masculinity. Commitment to Social Causes During the Mr. Vietnam pageant, Nguyễn expressed his intention to donate a portion of his prize money to the victims of a recent typhoon in northern Vietnam. When asked how he envisioned his donation being used, he replied, “I would like the money to be used to provide food for the people in need.” His compassion extended beyond Vietnam’s borders, as he was also asked about helping other countries affected by powerful typhoons, such as the Philippines. With enthusiasm and conviction, Nguyễn responded, “Of course, it is about helping the people.” His commitment to supporting those in need reflects not only his sense of responsibility but also his genuine empathy for those affected by natural disasters. Advocating for Mental Health As Mr. Vietnam, Nguyễn hopes to address social issues, particularly mental health for men, emphasizing its personal significance. “I want to focus on mental health for men because they would be able to relate to me, as it comes from personal experience,” he explained. A 2020 study published by BMC Health Services Research revealed that 31.7% of adolescents in Vietnam experience symptoms of depression, with 11% showing suicidal tendencies. Nguyễn is deeply committed to supporting others, especially as an older brother to a young man studying abroad. “I want to keep my brothers alive, and if someone is depressed, I want them to know they should talk to someone, and I can be that someone,” he said. He credits his parents’ unwavering support as his foundation, especially during difficult times. “Saving people is what I want the most,” he concluded, expressing his dedication to mental health advocacy. Redefining Role Models When asked about his role models, Nguyễn shared a personal experience: “I had one. He is a celebrity and used to be my hero. After finally meeting him and seeing his true character, I realized he was no longer a role model for me.” He emphasized that being a public figure or attractive is insufficient for earning respect. “To be a role model, you need to be intelligent and a genuinely good person,” he said, highlighting the importance of integrity and substance over superficial qualities. Defining Beauty and Authenticity Nguyễn also shared his perspective on beauty and authenticity in a society defined by modesty: “Beauty is not just about how you look on the outside; it’s about how you treat people and animals. This is how I will find my girlfriend,” he explained. As his popularity continues to rise, Nguyễn remains grounded by values of humility. When asked what advice he would offer to younger people, he emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself. “Never forget where you come from, what you did to get here, and who helped you along the way,” he said. “Always be yourself. It’s good to be famous, but why change who you are?” Conclusion: Bridging Tradition and Modernity Nguyễn Manh Lan embodies a compelling fusion of traditional Vietnamese values—resilience, humility, and community—with modern qualities of individuality and creativity. His journey exemplifies the enduring strength of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and its dynamic evolution, redefining the new face of masculinity. As he continues to inspire with his resolute dedication to social causes, mental health advocacy, and personal growth, Nguyen emerges as an emblem of progress—a young man who bridges tradition and modernity while reshaping masculinity within the realms of pageantry, modeling, and the film industry. 1/4 Images provided by: Nguyễn Manh Lan Previous Next

< Back Jeonghyun Park From Dojang to Runway: A Korean Designer Turning Sweat Into Couture Images Provided by Jeonghyun Park Under the harsh white lights of a Seongnam training hall, Jeonghyun Park was raised to be an elite Taekwondo athlete, his future drawn in straight, disciplined lines toward the national stage. That line snapped with an unexpected injury, exposing a kind of vulnerability no training had prepared him for and leaving him alone with the question of who he could be without the sport that had defined him. In that exposed moment, discipline did not disappear; it quietly reoriented itself toward an unexpected world—fashion—sparked by a simple, disquieting scene: a wardrobe full of discarded uniforms soaked in his sweat and memories. As he began to explore this unforeseen potential, the same rigor that once drove him through drills turned inward, into fabric, structure and “abstracted feathers” carefully carved from cloth. The journey that follows traces how that transformed discipline carried him from the shock of an ended career to the luminous runway of London Fashion Week, where his reinvention now takes shape in motion. When Jeonghyun Park thinks of his childhood, he doesn’t see sketchbooks or sewing machines. He sees mats, scoreboards and the sharp smell of sweat in Seongnam’s training halls. “My youth was driven by a singular, ambitious goal: becoming an elite Taekwondo athlete. Seongnam is a city of passion for me, defined by the scent of grit from rigorous training and the deep camaraderie of my fellow athletes.” Park grew up an only child in a construction family, watching his parents build something out of nothing. “I witnessed firsthand the structural value of creating something from nothing,” he recalls. Long before he drafted a pattern, he was absorbing the logic of foundations, frameworks, weight and balance. After brutal sessions at the athletic middle school, he’d come home to softer rituals. “To balance the physical demands of training, I found solace in listening to music and indulging in desserts. That’s how I nurtured my emotional sensibility.” Then an unexpected injury shattered the life Park had trained for. “Being forced to end my athletic career became the most significant turning point of my life.” The path he’d been sprinting down since childhood vanished. What remained was his body, his discipline—and, as it turned out, his clothes. The day the wardrobe spoke The pivot from athlete to designer did not happen in a studio; it happened in front of a wardrobe. One day, he stood staring at rows of Taekwondo uniforms and sportswear, all tailored precisely to his form. “My wardrobe was overflowing with Taekwondo uniforms and athletic gear tailored specifically for me. Seeing so many uniforms being discarded whenever new ones arrived made me pause and reflect.” That reflection crystallized into a question: “I began to wonder, ‘Is there a way to breathe new life into these garments that carry my sweat and memories?’” Park now calls that instinct what it was—upcycling. “The instinctive desire to upcycle those worn‑out uniforms ignited a powerful creative spark within me. In that moment, the word ‘fashion’ flashed through my mind like a revelation.” For someone who understood the movement of the body better than anyone, clothing suddenly shifted from equipment to medium. “Clothing became more than just a consumable item. It became an artistic medium capable of rebirth.” That realization “led me away from the arena and into the world of design. It was the definitive starting point of my journey as a designer.” Learning the body all over again On paper, his academic path looks unusual, but in hindsight it feels inevitable. “I am 28 years old and have completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies in Korea. My academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, where I gained a profound, firsthand understanding of human anatomy and movement as an elite athlete.” The shift to fashion was not a casual detour; it was a decision made with the same intensity Park once brought to competition. “To pursue my long‑held creative ambition, I transitioned into a Master’s program in Fashion Design. Being a non‑fashion major made every moment a challenge, but I dedicated double and triple the effort to my research and technical practice.” Park frames that persistence in athletic terms. “I faced the daunting barrier of being a non‑major. I overcame this by tapping into the ‘elite athlete’s perseverance’ that had been ingrained in me since my youth.” In his couture work today, he sees the same lines he once drilled with kicks and forms. “I harmonize the disciplined, sharp ‘lines’ of Taekwondo with the tranquil energy found in art museums to build my own world of Haute Couture. This fusion of athletic resilience and artistic delicacy forms the very foundation of my brand philosophy.” London: a living runway The city he dreams of returning to is not Seoul but London. “It offered a unique creative stimulus, distinct from what I find in Korea. The city’s historic landscape and atmospheric weather, the gentlemanly demeanor of the people and their sophisticated attire—it felt like observing a living runway.” The British Museum left one of the deepest marks. “Witnessing artifacts from across the globe, each carrying its own history, was both fascinating and awe‑inspiring.” Standing in front of objects that had survived millennia reshaped Park's understanding of what couture could be. “Observing the noble aura and exquisite craftsmanship of these relics reinforced my vision for Haute Couture: creating garments that embody timeless value. The visual memories I gathered in London continue to be a vital resource as I refine the lines and structures of my own designs.” A feather that isn’t a feather If you scroll through Park's work, one motif repeats: feathers. But he rarely uses the real thing. “The material I value most in my work is, paradoxically, not actual feathers, but ‘abstracted feathers’ that I create entirely from fabric. Instead of using real feathers, I meticulously manipulate and process textiles to craft a texture that is even more dynamic and noble than the real thing.” His tools are deliberately minimal. “In this creative process, the only tools I rely on are the essentials: a sewing machine, a needle, and thread. I believe that with just these three, I can translate any abstract inspiration into a physical silhouette.” Lately, he’s been pushing fabric further. “Recently, I have been focusing on researching unique hand‑stitching techniques to push beyond the visual boundaries of conventional fabrics. This process of crafting entirely new textures from scratch using only fundamental tools—without relying on ready‑made materials—is what truly defines me as an Haute Couture designer.” One piece embodies that philosophy: his green feather dress from Hongik Fashion Week, the graduation work Park calls “a deeply personal work that marks my debut as a designer.” “I wanted to encapsulate the inherent ‘freedom’ that feathers represent. I chose a military‑inspired khaki green to evoke a sense of strength and chic sophistication, focusing on the textural contrasts created through meticulous patchwork techniques.” The making of that dress was as demanding as any training camp. “To bridge the gap as a non‑fashion major, I committed myself to a path of relentless discipline.” Under the “detailed guidance and continuous feedback from my professor,” he went through “more than ten fittings” and “spent half a year solely researching the behavior and application of feathers.” The dress, he insists, “was not the result of a quest for instant success, but rather a masterpiece born from embracing and learning from countless failures and revisions.” For him, it is “an embodiment of the ‘unyielding perseverance’ I developed as an elite athlete, combined with the professional milestones set by my mentor.” Failure as data, challenge as training Ask Park about difficulty and he answers like a coach. “As a young designer, the greatest challenge I face is bridging the ‘technical gap between vision and reality.’ Starting from a non‑fashion background, translating complex Haute Couture structures from my mind into physical garments often feels like facing a massive wall.” He meets that wall with the mindset he honed on the mat. “I overcome these challenges using the ‘mindset of an elite athlete.’ To an athlete, a slump or a defeat is not an end, but rather analytical data for the next victory. Likewise, I don’t fear failure in the design process; instead, I try to ‘collect’ as many failures as possible.” Park circles back to the half‑year he devoted to feather texture as proof. “While the unpredictable movement of the feathers was frustrating, I embraced more than ten fittings and obsessively refined my work based on my professor’s feedback. By focusing on ‘solving today’s failure’ rather than chasing immediate success, I was finally able to complete my signature khaki feather dress.” Then, almost with a smile: “To me, a challenge is a necessary and enjoyable training process to become a more resilient designer.” A mentor’s hand and a global stage At the center of his transformation is his professor, designer Jong‑soo Kim. “The artist who has influenced me the most is my mentor and professor, fashion designer Jong‑soo Kim. As someone who entered the world of fashion from a non‑design background, he taught me the fundamental attitude a designer must possess and the vital importance of technical perfection.” Kim’s influence goes far beyond classroom instruction. “Beyond just teaching design, he guided me to translate the abstract ideas in my mind into physical works of art through the needle and thread. The root of my ‘craftsmanship’—creating new textures from fabric alone and enduring over ten fittings to reach perfection—always lies in his teachings.” Because Kim believed in him, “he gave me the courage to step onto global stages like London Fashion Week. He is a greater artist and an eternal muse to me than any world‑renowned master.” Those lessons have been tested on international platforms. Remembering the Asia Emerging Designer Fashion Contest, Park calls it “a defining moment where I tested my potential on a global stage.” Among 1,000 applicants from around the world, “I was selected as one of the 34 finalists and ultimately achieved 3rd place (Bronze Prize).” Again he turned to feathers—“my most confident medium”—but in soft brown and ivory “to maximize elegance.” The upper silhouette created “an optical illusion of a bomber jacket, blending sporty chic with high fashion,” while intricate rope knots between skirt and dress completed “a sophisticated and artistic finish unique to Haute Couture.” London Fashion Week came through a collaboration. “My journey to London Fashion Week was sparked by a collaboration with the global brand Sprayground. Selected as the sole representative from Korea among 15 emerging designers worldwide for the 26 S/S season, I dedicated five months of intense effort to the project.” Of the four outfits he presented, “I made sure to include one iconic dress—the medium I master best and which truly represents my identity as a designer.” Because it was a backpack brand, he “focused on integrating Sprayground’s signature elements and hardware into the structural silhouette of the dress,” fusing “street‑style components with the elegance of Haute Couture.” Watching that dress move down the London runway was “a profound moment I will never forget. I am deeply grateful to Sprayground for believing in my potential; this experience has been instrumental in my growth as a global designer.” Serenade and what comes next If Jeonghyun Park's work had a single title, it might be the word he returns to again and again: Serenade. “To me, ‘Serenade’ is ‘the most sincere confession delivered when the devotion poured out in unseen places finally radiates light.’” As an athlete, “the beads of sweat shed on the field when no one was watching were a desperate serenade to myself.” Now, “I translate that same tenacity and grit into my dresses through the needle and thread.” “The arduous hours spent sculpting the texture of feathers from fabric without using the real thing, and the endurance required for over ten fittings to achieve the perfect silhouette—this process is my own ‘love song’ toward design. When a dress finally shines on the glamorous runway, it becomes a noble and chic serenade dedicated to the world and to the beauty of everyone who wears my creations.” Right now, those serenades are gathering into something larger. “I am currently in the process of establishing my own fashion brand, preparing for the launch of my debut Haute Couture collection. As the Creative Director, I oversee the overall design and the Haute Couture dress line, while my partner manages the daily wear line as we build this business together.” The vision is clear: “We aim to be more than just a clothing company; we aspire to be a fashion house that shares the values of being ‘Noble, Chic, and Lovely.’ My specialized ‘abstracted feather’ technique and structural engineering will serve as the core identity of the brand.” Park's dream muse is already chosen. “My perfect muse is Jennie from BLACKPINK. She is an icon who perfectly embodies the core values of my brand: ‘Noble, Chic, and Lovely’ all at once.” Her ability “to effortlessly transition between classical elegance and trendy sensibility” mirrors the “limitless beauty” he wants his designs to express. “I dream of seeing individuals with their own confident charm, much like Jennie, discover their most beautiful selves while wearing my creations.” To the next generation, Park offers one last line, the same one he repeats to himself when he hits a wall. “Since time will pass anyway, choose to take the challenge,” he urges. “From being a non‑major to standing on a runway in London, what sustained me wasn’t grand confidence, but the boldness to say, ‘Since time is passing anyway, I will give it a try.’” Jeonghyun Park Design.jpg Jeonghyun Park.jpeg Jeongyun Park Work.jpeg Jeonghyun Park Design.jpg 1/4 Images Provided by Jeonghyun Park Previous Next

< Back Kermit Tesoro Cultural Heritage and Sustainability: The Essence of Kermit Tesoro's Work Kermit Tesoro’s designs bloom with intricate beauty and untamed wildness, deeply rooted in the vibrant tapestry of tropical flora and fauna. As a master horticulturist, he cultivates each piece with meticulous care, drawing inspiration from the organic curves and textures of nature. His creations are not just garments and shoes, but living ecosystems, where fabrics intertwine like vines and textures blossom like exotic flowers. Tesoro’s fascination with cacti and succulents is evident in his work, where spiky embellishments and robust structures evoke the hardy yet alluring nature of these desert plants. His bold shoe designs, featuring towering heels and intricate patterns, push the boundaries of traditional footwear. Each stage of Tesoro’s design process is a period of extreme creative silence, a calm before the storm, where ideas germinate and take root in his imagination. As he nurtures these concepts to fruition, the anticipation builds until the final reveal erupts with provocative brilliance. His designs are a symphony of the natural world, transforming wearers into walking manifestations of the botanical wonderland he so passionately adores, reflecting the resilience and exotic beauty of both tropical and arid landscapes. FROM MANILA TO BERLIN A pioneering Filipino artist originally from Manila and now based in Berlin since 2018, Kermit Tesoro has electrified global fashion with audacious footwear creations, installation art, and fashion designs. Trained at Central Saint Martins University of the Arts London, the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, Tesoro gained prominence with avant-garde shoe designs and organic, abstract body-enhancing silhouettes showcased at Philippine Fashion Week for six consecutive seasons beginning in 2008. One of his earliest and notably innovative designs was his reinterpretation of the “Bakya,” a traditional Filipino wooden clog featuring towering 9” heels. This creation along with more than 100 designs from other artists were featured in the “Stepping in Pinoy Style” exhibition at the Yuchengco Museum in the Philippines in 2009, a visual conversation highlighting the cultural significance of traditional Filipino footwear. ICONIC DESIGNS The skull heel, or “The Seat of Intelligence,” a daring fusion of the macabre and the elegant, underwent an extensive two to three years design process according to Tesoro. The prominent skull on the heel, combined with neutral colors, is reminiscent of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting “Ram’s Head.” The curvature of the shoes, like the flower on the painting, is a reminder of its conflicting elegance. This design went viral globally, inundating Tesoro’s Facebook inbox with messages. “If it wasn’t for the skull heel, I would be dust. It truly changed my life and opened many doors,” Tesoro reflects. Following his fourth runway show at Philippine Fashion Week in 2010, Tesoro was approached by Lady Gaga’s team, sparking a collaboration that catapulted him into international recognition. In 2011, Lady Gaga’s stylist, Nicolas Formichetti, commissioned Tesoro and Filipino artist Leeroy New to create an armor dress worn by Lady Gaga on the cover of “Marry the Night.” This collaboration solidified Tesoro’s place in the global high fashion arena. When discussing the balance between art and wearability, Tesoro explains that his primary focus is on artistic value rather than practicality. For instance, the shoes worn by Lady Gaga on red carpets, while orthopedically correct, were designed to be admired rather than for ease of movement. “If you love a pair of shoes enough, you’ll find a way to wear them,” he notes with humor. Tesoro recalls another instance when Madonna’s stylist, Bea Åkerlund, invited him to create shoes and clothing for Madonna’s 2011 Super Bowl performance. However, lacking practical considerations, particularly for a dance performance, his designs could not meet the requirements. This experience taught Tesoro the importance of balancing comfort with artistic integrity. Reflecting on his influences, Tesoro speaks about the profound impact of his mother, especially during the design phase of his 2014 conceptual project, Polypodis. Much to his sorrow, his mother passed away the same year, marking a tumultuous period for Tesoro. “When certain emotions or moods intervene, there is always a transformation,” he reflects. The Polypodis shoes, inspired by cephalopods and the sundew plant, solidified his reputation as an innovator on the global stage. The forms of the tentacles, also reminiscent of Medusa’s hair, evoke the complexity of human (the wearer) emotions and the evolution of thought through personal experiences. Tesoro’s affinity with horticulture has influenced his designs in both abstract and literal ways. In 2016, he introduced Equilibria, inspired by the Venus flytrap, which blends natural forms with the human foot. The form and coloration of Equilibria clearly reflect a more literal interpretation of the plant; the wearer's foot becomes the trapped fly. This collection was exhibited alongside Polypodis at Lichtenwald Castle in Germany. SUSTAINABILITY AND CULTURAL ROOTS His latest capsule collection, *Leucistic Observation*, seamlessly blends avant-garde elements with a modest approach inspired by traditional Filipino values. Named after leucism, a genetic condition in animals characterized by reduced pigmentation, the collection reflects Tesoro's ongoing exploration of subtle yet profound themes. The incognito layering of textures in pale and neutral colors, accented with speckles of gold, silver, and pearl beadwork, reveals itself only upon close inspection. This striking contrast between an initial impression of modesty and the bold character revealed through intricate weaving and embroidery makes the collection irresistibly captivating. Throughout his career, Tesoro has consistently incorporated sustainable materials such as banana fiber, rattan, bamboo, and recycled plastics, some sourced from beaches. In the Leucistic Observation collection, he emphasizes sustainability by using native Filipino pineapple fiber as the dominant material, along with abaca fiber, sinamay, and repurposed Capiz shells. Living in Berlin, Tesoro celebrates his Filipino roots through his use of native materials for Leucistic Observation, reflecting his emotional journey and cultural pride. His designs adhere to the Filipino national costume guidelines, ensuring respect for tradition while innovating sensibly. “I was taught in school that there are certain guidelines to follow to avoid bastardizing the national costumes. I wanted to stay true to that philosophy,” Tesoro explains, referring to his handling of the traditionally woven fibers for his garments. THOUGHT-PROVOKING ART AND FASHION Tesoro’s audacious work elicits strong reactions, challenges norms, and provokes taboos, touching on themes of sensuality and critical thought. Reflecting on his collaboration with Lady Gaga, which drew criticism from conservative Christian groups and led to his work being labeled as diabolical, he asserts, “Provoking emotion, whether positive or negative, is the goal—to move people to respond.” When asked which historical figure he would design for, Tesoro enthusiastically mentions Atang de la Rama, a prominent Filipino actress and singer celebrated as the “Queen of Kundiman.” Known for her exceptional performances of traditional Filipino love songs, Atang de la Rama made significant contributions to Philippine theater and cinema during the early to mid-20th century. Tesoro expressed his excitement at interpreting the “bakya,” or traditional Filipino dress, alongside other contemporary designs for her, saying, “I would love to dress her.” In contrast, when asked which celebrity he would like to design for at the MET Gala in New York City, Tesoro promptly replied, “Cate Blanchett! I love her! If given the opportunity to dress her or create something for her, I would be more than okay (hinting at pure bliss in life).” From his journey through triumphs, challenges, evolution, faced with both adorations and scrutinies, Tesoro advises young aspiring creators with unique visions to stay informed and rooted in their core values. "Being canceled isn't permanent. Identify your creative truth and defend it," Kermit encourages, emphasizing authenticity over fear of judgment in today's cancel culture. Kermit Tesoro's bold exploration of art and fashion transcends conventions, challenging the fashion world to embrace new perspectives and possibilities. As a Filipino artist, his upbringing in Paete, Laguna, known as "the carving capital of the Philippines" and his late mother's hometown, nurtured his principles of design versatility and innovative material use. This environment, rich with childhood memories and family experiences, instilled in him a deep appreciation for Filipino aesthetic traditions and cultural heritage, particularly the "bakya" culture. His dedication to horticulture and environmental sensibilities enrich his creative vision, while his advocacy for sustainability underscores the ethical foundation of his work. Tesoro's creations epitomize the power of creativity to provoke thought and reshape boundaries, marking him as an avant-garde artist on the global stage who remains genuine and true to his values. 1/5 Images provided by: Kermit Tesoro Previous Next

Anni Liu China 1/3 Anni Liu is an emerging illustrator from eastern China, now based in San Francisco. With a master's degree in Illustration, Liu brings a deep appreciation for the rich and vibrant culture of China to her artwork. Her latest project showcases the unique costumes and folk traditions of various Chinese ethnic groups through 14 meticulously crafted illustrations. Each piece integrates traditional costume patterns, customs, and legends from 56 ethnic groups, depicted on A3 kraft paper using water-based markers and acrylic paints. Since childhood, Liu has been captivated by the intricate patterns of ethnic costumes, a passion that continues to influence her work today. Though she has not yet participated in art exhibitions, she is preparing to debut her work in the coming year, marking the beginning of what promises to be a promising artistic journey. Previous Next