Featured Lucenahin: Fashion Designer Rholand Z. Roxas
A pen. A sketchbook. A creative mind. Tons of fabric. Laces, ribbons, organzas. Beads and sequins, threads and seams. This is what a day in the life of fashion designer looks like.
This week, join us as we sit down for an interview with Mr. Rholand Z. Roxas—Quezon premier fashion designer, dress-maker, entrepreneur, and founder of the Quezon Fashion Designer Association of the Philippines (QFDAP).
The 65-year-old was very generous in answering the following questions for us, thereby offering us a broader look into his work and design philosophy.
What sparked your interest in fashion?
Photo from Rholand Roxas Facebook Page
Ever since I was a child, fashion design has always been my first love. I started my career at the age of 20 and built my first shop in Taft Avenue, Malate Manila. My friend Eddie Marfori introduced me to Oscar Peralta, Cesar Gaupo Sazalar, Auggie Cordero, Ben Farales, Aureo Alonso, Nolie Hans and many other high caliber fashion designers. After 15 years in Manila I decided to come back to my hometown Lucena City to continue my career and be with my family. I built my shop in M.L. Tagarao Street, then I moved to Enverga Street, and now my latest shop is located at my ancestral house in M.H. Del Pilar Street. I still have connections in Manila where I am most of the time in order to meet the demands and needs of my clients. I’m also a member of the Fashion Designer Association of the Philippines (FDAP).
I love being creative, using my hands, and of course fashion design. I love everything about fashion design from color to fabrication and texture to fit and function. It started as an interest and became a passion.
What inspired you to start the organization Quezon Fashion Designer Association of the Philippines (QFDAP)?
Photo from Rholand Roxas’ Facebook Page
When I learned that my pieces serve as great inspiration for other fashion designers here in Quezon, I too, was greatly moved and inspired to form the organization called Quezon Fashion Designer Association of the Philippines (QFDAP), which, until today is open for aspiring fashion designers to be part of. In QFDAP, I share my knowledge as a designer and my techniques as a dress-maker to my contemporaries, encouraging them to strengthen the legacy of fashion designers here in Quezon province.
What’s it like being in the fashion industry?
I like being in the fashion industry very much. I love being constantly surrounded by creative people, beautiful models, and top designers who are also very involved in the business aspect of the fashion world. I think people assume that this industry is filled with a lot of over-privileged people playing dress up and buying expensive clothing. That’s definitely not the case. One of the things I value most about this industry is that everyone works long hours and is really talented at what they do. If you put in the work, people in this business notice and appreciate it.
What makes your fashion enterprise unique from other fashion enterprises around Lucena City?
- Originality
- Quality Service
- Pleasant Accommodation
Are you self-taught or did you study fashion design?
I studied a little but mostly I am self-taught. I took a degree in Fine Arts major in Interior Design in the past, but like I’ve said earlier, fashion has always been my first love. So I immediately shifted into fashion and equipped myself with knowledge about the craft. I believe that learning is an ongoing process, and I’m proud to say that I’m still learning about fashion. I am continuously honing my skills and seeking for higher ground in the industry.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your fashion business?
I learned that finishing the work ahead of time or on time has a huge impact in the satisfaction of our customers. I also learned that your moment will arrive one day and you have to be ready for it. You have to be focused on what you are hoping to achieve and be very dedicated. Whatever you focus on at any given point, be it your design ideas or your business, you better give it your one-hundred percent.
What kind of clothes do you specialize in?
My line is mostly about formal wear. I design debutante gowns, evening gowns, prom dresses, wedding gowns, suits, tuxedos, and the like, but I also venture into RTWs or Ready-to-wear apparel every once in a while.
Name some local celebrities that you have styled in the past.
Vivian Velez, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Roy Vinzon, Daniel Fernando, wives of mayors and governors, and the list goes on.
Tell us about the numerous awards you’ve received for fashion designing.
I’m a 7th time winner of Flores de Mayo in Manila and deemed as Flores de Mayo Hall of Famer in Lucena Shows, along with a roomful of recognition and appreciation plaques and certificates.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I go for inspiration in fashion magazines and fashion photography, as well as traveling in Asia and USA. But mostly I tend to conjure up the best ideas when I’m just inside my bedroom, listening to opera music.
How much does travel influence your designs?
Traveling influences my designs a lot. In Asia, I’ve been to Bangkok five times and to Hong Kong three times. I’ve also been to Macau, Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the United States, I’ve traveled to San Francisco four times and to Chicago two times. I’ve also been to New York, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, California. Whenever I’m on the road traveling and I see something interesting, I get moved by it and I immediately try to incorporate it in my designs.
How would you describe your personal fashion style?
I would go for romantic. I really like apparel with laces, ribbons, roses, organza, and the like that would sum up for a simple but elegant fashion style.
What skills are important for a successful career in fashion design?
- Combined marketing intelligence and artistic vision
- To be able to delegate business duties to hired specialists, agents, etc. while they focus on the art
Do you have any tips for budding entrepreneurs who are itching to start their own fashion business?
- Get a grip
- Have the skills and the passion
- Be creative
- Take care of your finances
- Work hard
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