Filipino designer Francis Libiran appeared for the first time on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 18 back in April 2012 where he created couture pieces made with Hello Kitty items. For the 12th episode of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 22 on etc, Tyra Banks personally hand-picks Francis Libiran to create another unique collection themed Creatures of the Night for the remaining model contestants.
Francis Libiran’s collection is divided into two—hunters for men and the hunted for women. We can already imagine layers of uniquely styled plaids and scarves with boots for the male models and the ethereal look for the female models with embellished layers of silk chiffon. “It’s about conceptualizing with really bright colors like red, yellow, cobalt blue, tone on tone, and creating beaded details that’s more creature-like. [For the girls,] hindi siya elegant like floral prints; it’s more exaggerated, I want it to be flowy,” says Francis.
As compared to his first ANTM stint where Francis was credited for his creation and a photo of him with Anne Curtis was shown, he will actually be in the episode this weekend. Francis shares their experience at the outdoor shoot in California. “Our call time was at 7 PM and we ended at 4 AM the next day. Ang lamig! [During the shoot,] very limited yung movement ng models while we’re throwing the dress. It was so dark, there were no lights, and it’s just flash. Kaya it’s very challenging for them because yung iba nahihilo, nahuhulog, and yung iba hindi maka-balance.”
Being personally hand-picked by Tyra to be on the show again is definitely a huge deal, especially for a designer like Francis Libiran. “It was so nice seeing and catching up with the people we’ve worked with during the first time. They’re also honored and thankful since we created something brand new for them na para bang, “Wow, Francis, pinaghirapan mo yung collection just for this episode,” he relates.
Francis shares his tips for aspiring Filipino fashion designers: “Always stick to your aesthetics. It’s so easy to copy designs from each other, but creating that mark in the fashion industry is very important. Like for me, since I have an architectural background, I always stick to lines and every collection that I do has to have that. It’s a signature look, no one can claim it, you know it’s truly yours, and you just evolve the idea, the details. So, if they see someone at a ball wearing your gown without that person mentioning you [and yet] they know [it’s your creation]—that, for me, is already a sign of success.”
Catch Francis Libiran on ANTM this Saturday, November 7, first on Philippine TV at 8 P.M. on etc.
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