Filipino designer Jeffrey Rogador passes away at 42
The Philippine fashion industry welcomed December with the very unfortunate news of the passing of designer Jeffrey Rogador, who was only 42 years old. His death was announced on Tuesday morning, December 1, but full details regarding his untimely passing have yet to be revealed.
Filipino designer Jeffrey Rogador / Source: @homerblopez (IG)
Before carving a niche in the fashion industry as one of the designers to energize the local ready-to-wear (RTW) scene, Jeffrey was a Fine Arts student at the University of Santo Tomas, where he was a member of the Salinggawi Dance Troupe.
While dancing and representing UST in cheer dance competitions, he also pursued his love for fashion by creating his team's costumes.
He later on pursued a formal education in fashion at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines and graduated in 2006.
Jeffrey also joined the 6th edition of MEGA Young Designer's Competition where he was one of the finalists.
Eventually, he became one of the designer staples at the Philippine Fashion Week and had collaborated with some of the most iconic international fashion brands in the world such as Levi's and Jag Jeans.
One of Jeffrey's most notable accomplishments was winning the Best Jeans Award in Jeansation 2 in Monte Carlo, Monaco in 2013.
Jeffrey Rogador holding his Jeansation 2 recognition / Source: Fashion Pulis
During the span of his career, he had done several commissioned collaborations with brands and organizations in the Philippines such as the Binibining Pilipinas, Girbaud Philippines, Converse, Folded & Hung, Electricianz Watches, Ideal Vision Center, McJim Leather, Missdi Models, and B143 Apparel.
Supermodel and TV host Tyra Banks wearing pants by Jeffrey Rogador / Source: @jeffreyrogador (IG)
Jeffrey had also married his love for dance and fashion by creating costumes for Martin Lawrence's Rebel, Amid Shadows, Aria, and The Winding Road for Ballet Manila, and most remarkably, for the Richard Alston Dance Company London, for Red Run and Martin Lawrence's Tangent, Cut & Run, Detour, and A Far Cry.
His most recent works include his “Pride and Protect” line for JRXX Philippines, which he dropped last October in celebration of Filipino American Heritage Month, and his spring/summer 2020 collection titled “Virus,” which aims to spread positivity.
Christian Bautista wearing one of Jeffrey Rogador's deisgns from the “Pride and Protect” collection / Source: @ jrxx.ph (IG)
Jeffrey Rogador was best-known for his innovative urban streetwear designs. Months before his death, he was actively participating in advocacies championing interdependence, inclusion, and upcycling.
He also helped out during the pandemic through “Art for Help,” where he sold his art pieces to raise funds for the production of face masks, lab gowns, and protective suits, which were donated to medical frontliners.
His design philosophy, mission, and legacy are underlined in his namesake brand's website.
“Guided by the greater purpose of the people in mind, Jeffrey Rogador truly believes that you make the fashion, and not the other way around.
“By shifting the focus back to the point of origin, the medium of expression becomes far more important and meaningful than just another typical template in fashion.
“Thus, Jeffrey Rogador becomes more than just the clothes on your back, but rather a part of your identity and story that you will be most proud of to wear, telling the rest of the world of the man they call the people's designer from the Philippines.”
The “finale” may have come for Jeffrey, but truly his legacy of being a fashion designer of and for the people will surely live on. Thank you for your wonderful creations and rest in peace, Jeffrey Rogador.
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