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Francis Libiran brings his sexy and electrifying Mosaic collection to LA Fashion Week debut
LOS ANGELES — Leave it to fashion designer Francis Libiran to do the seemingly impossible.
In his debut fashion show at the LA Fashion Week, the former architect-turned-designer showcased his "Mosaic: A Collection of Textiles and Pleasures" collection in shocking, sexy and electrifying cut outs in both men and women fashion.
His Spring/Summer 2023 collection titillated the audiences with his mind blowing and intricate cutouts that are strategically placed. The lines, shapes, and structures for both men and women displayed a bold and daring look but at the same time sexy, artistic and intimate.
The spectacles of the runway gave an amazing ambiance to the show with abundant Grecian elements sprinkled all throughout the scene. It was a cross between ancient Greece and the modern era as if the gods were guests themselves. Light extravaganza dominated the catwalk as well as the dramatic incorporation of smoke.
"I am very much exhilarated and euphoric to have accomplished this show seeing all of my hard work come to fruition. As the designs graced the runway with all the lights and stuff, I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. Truly, having no bias, this is one of the best shows I have ever enjoyed, and for that, I am honored and over the moon," Libiran said.
Lines and structures influenced the conception of the latest release and were translated into wearable art pieces that are on brand and bring out the essence of Francis Libiran.
Known for art deco embroidery in his designs, this signature touch was a recognizable element in the standouts from the collection.
The see-through fabric used in the body adds a hint of sensuality and mystery complemented by the art deco pattern elevating the look.
"I really wanted to still convey my identity by incorporating the styles I am known for with my interpretation of art. On the other hand, of course, I also tried and experimented with a lot of things—colors, fabrics—to give much more edge to this collection," the humble designer shared.
We were able to interview Libiran in person. Below are excerpts.
This is your first time at LA Fashion Week. Congratulations.
Thank you.
You have done a lot of fashion shows all over the world. What makes this fashion show at LA Fashion Week special?
The LA Fashion Show is really special because it is not my usual collection of gowns. It is hip and younger. It is very different.
And the title of the show is "Mosaic."
The title is "Mosaic: A Mixture of Textures and Pleasures." Textures because there will be a lot of lines and patterns all put in one outfit. Pleasures because they are sexy, seductive and they will be showcased in the runway.
What for you is the most memorable fashion show you have ever done?
When I got drunk. Kidding aside, every show is memorable because I make each one very special. The process of creating a collection is really different. I usually lock myself in a hotel room and think of new aesthetics and designs.
And your collection for the LA Fashion Week is composed of 35 pieces?
Yes.
How long did it take you to finish your collection?
Crazy one month! I had to internalize on a daily basis because this is not my usual stuff of weddings or red-carpet gowns. They are very seductive, a lot of the sex part put on it.
What is your designing process? Do you go to a particular place to design?
I love boxing and so every morning I do boxing. I am very creative while I am punching the bag. It is my "Me Time." It is two hours of working out and purely creating something new. That process really helps me a lot.
So, while you are boxing you are already creating your designs in your head?
Exactly.
That is amazing! You are also an architecture graduate. How does your being an architect influence you as a fashion designer?
My background as an architect helped me in producing beautiful pieces. Like an architect, you start with something, then you conceptualize with something and then the last part is creating something beautiful and meaningful for me.
When did you decide to leave architecture and become a fashion designer?
When I got bored after working in an architecture firm after two years. I gave my resignation papers and quit. And then I enrolled in a fashion school.
Any regrets?
No regrets. I have been doing it now for the past 22 years. And I am still learning every day.
What are your future plans?
I want to create a brand, a label that will be remembered all these years so that when I am no longer around, that brand still exists. I want that to be my legacy.
If you were given a chance to talk to your younger self, what would you tell your younger self?
Be a good boy. Seriously, I would tell him to learn from his mistakes, not to repeat them but learn from them. I would tell him to aspire to be his better, higher self.
—MGP, GMA News
