11 01 2014 Academy of Art University Newspaper Volume 2

san francisco | academy of art university |

November 2014 volume 2 | page 25

Style

L.A. Fashion Week: Fashion student Veejay Floresca’s collection, “Convergence,” wins the prestigious design competition. She talked to us about her two brands Madore and Four28, as well as her own personal style. Page 28.

Photo by Daniel Moraite.

page 28 | November 2014 volume 2 | academy of art university | san francisco

STYLE VEEJAY FLORESCA

“Convergence” wins at L.A. Fashion Week

By Rosalea Collinge

do and be more creative.

Veejay Floresca is currently studying for her M.F.A. in fashion design at Academy of Art University, and her collection, “Convergence,” recently won the L.A. Fashion Week Design Competition. Originally from Manila, Philippines, Floresca launched her first brand, Madore, a bridal line that combines contemporary details with classic silhouettes, last year.

After moving to San Francisco and beginning her studies at the Academy, Floresca has seen her perspective on the world of fashion change, as she learned how to create cohesive collections that capture the elegance of her own personal style. Read on to find out more about her inspiration, as well as her new ready to wear label, Four28.

Q: Tell us about the L.A. Fashion Week Design Competition and your collection. How did it feel to win?

A: I like joining competitions because it’s the perfect platform to be creative and to challenge myself. It is perfect training as well. My collection was entitled “Convergence.”

It’s a collection that mixed femininity and masculinity. I created shapes and patterns by sewing different shapes together. The silhouettes are oversized, but I still wanted to keep the femininity by making the back sheer and neckline low. I want to create a strong collection for the women of today, because women now are very independent, driven and successful.

Q: What made you want to be a fashion designer?

A: To be honest, it was destiny that brought me where I am today. At first, I wanted to be a lawyer just like my father, sadly it was not the course that’s meant for me. I was not accepted into all the universities I applied for, and I ended up taking my bachelor’s degree in fashion design, and I was a full time college scholar.

That’s where I discovered my passion to design clothes. I joined several design competitions, local and internationally, because it makes me think out of the box and challenge myself about what else I can

Q: Can you describe your personal style?

A: My personal style is always a mix of two contrasting elements. I like mixing opposites, like soft and hard, feminine and masculine, classic and modern.

Q: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

A: I am always fascinated with geometry, shapes and textures.

Sometimes when I travel, I like looking at architecture, going to museums, or even random boxes outside my apartment. It’s everywhere.

That’s the beauty of fashion.

Q: Tell us about your brand Madore.

Veejay Floresca likes to mix contrasting elements such as soft and hard, classic and modern in her own personal style. Photo by Alvin Tanag.

A: Madore is my mom’s name. It’s my first brand that I launched last year that’s about bridal wear. I started designing for brides when I was still in the Philippines. It’s very challenging to do this because there are a lot of things to consider and the options are very few. But overall it’s a good experience, especially when you see your clients very happy. Everything is worth it.

Q: Tell us about your new label Four28.

A: Four28 is my ready to wear label that I am launching next month. That’s my birthday, April 28. So I thought of using that as the second label.

Unlike Madore, Four28 is about evening wear, such as cocktail dresses and evening gowns.

Q: Do you have a process you go through when designing a new line of clothing?

A: Fashion is business and art. There should be a right amount of balance to become successful. Every time I design a collection, I always imagine a woman, who is the client, and what does she want? I start with inspiration, then create shapes, think of colors and start playing. I am not really a designer who make tons of sketches, I make a few sketches, ideas and start from that. Then I execute and develop these ideas until it grows and expands as a collection, then editing.

“Convergence” includes oversized silhouettes, as well as shapes and patterns that Floresca created by sewing different shapes together. Photo by Daniel Moraite.

Q: How has your time at Academy of Art University helped you develop your style and skills?

A: A lot. To study in this school is one of the best

Floresca’s winning collection, “Convergence,” mixes femininity and masculinity. Photo by Daniel Moraite. decisions of my life. I got my bachelor’s in the Philippines and when I studied here, my overall perspective about fashion changed. I learned to be more disciplined, to be more creative, focus on execution and garment construction and developed my knowledge to make a cohesive and strong collection.

Q: Do you have any advice for other fashion students?

A: Work hard, be creative and have fun. Fashion is an industry that you should not

overanalyze or overthink.

Create something and if it doesn’t work, you can edit or make it work.

For more information about Veejay Floresca’s designs, visit www.madoreveejayfloresca. com and www.veejayfloresca.

4ormat.com.

Rosalea Collinge is the Copy Editor for Academy Art U News.