00:00Let's meet the fourth-year fashion design student from Iloilo.
00:04Aside from her passion for art, she is also resourceful when it comes to designing clothes.
00:11Let's watch this.
00:15When passion meets fashion.
00:17Filipinos are really resourceful when it comes to designing clothes.
00:23Like an aspiring fashion designer, LGN James Florida from Iloilo.
00:28She is passionate about designing clothes using leaves and recyclable materials.
00:33When she was young, LGN dreamed of becoming a fashion designer.
00:38Her journey started with simply posting her artwork on Facebook and TikTok.
00:43Sometimes, her work went viral.
00:46Aside from leaves, food, and beads, LGN also makes paper cutouts fashion illustrations.
00:53She also has fan art like Chelsea Manalo's Hiraya National Costume
00:58that became a milestone for the Philippines in Miss Universe.
01:01Her journey proves that a combination of passion, talent, and creativity
01:06can open many doors of opportunity.
01:10Let's continue to follow the story of LGN and her works here on Sunshine Stories.
01:16From Iloilo, we will be joined live via Zoom by fashion designer and merchandising student,
01:22Edjon James Florida.
01:25Good morning. Welcome to Rise and Shine Philippines.
01:29Good morning, ma'am. Good morning to everyone watching on Rise and Shine Philippines.
01:34Your works are really fun.
01:36How did you discover that you can use indigenous and recyclable materials in your designs?
01:42Because, ma'am, since I was young, I like to draw anywhere in our house.
01:49And that time, because it's pandemic, because I grew up in the province,
01:55so there's a restriction during the pandemic.
01:59So that time, I realized that whatever is available here in our province,
02:06that's what I do as dress designs so that I can create an artwork.
02:11So, it's like I tested my creativity and resourcefulness during the pandemic.
02:19Did you encounter any challenges in using natural materials in your fashion illustrations?
02:27Yes, ma'am.
02:28For example, if you just look at it before you get it,
02:35it's a bit wet.
02:38And it's a challenge for me how to do it as a masterpiece,
02:43because I'm not used to it yet.
02:45So, it's a challenge for me.
02:47So, it's a challenge for me how to do it as a masterpiece,
02:54It's a challenge for me how to do it as a masterpiece,
02:58how to inculcate it in a dress design,
03:02so that it matches from trash to fashion.
03:07Okay. So, Edgy, aside from the illustration or drawing of the design,
03:12are there actual dresses and gowns that you design?
03:18Yes, ma'am.
03:21Because in our course, we are required to showcase a design.
03:26Sometimes, we are using recyclable materials.
03:29Sometimes, we are mostly using the fabric itself.
03:33So, now that you're a fashion design student,
03:37what year are you in?
03:39And how is your study so far in the profession that you love?
03:43I'm currently a third-year student of Iloilo Science and Technology University.
03:48I'm graduating this year.
03:50Next year, hopefully,
03:52at the process of studying a fashion design,
03:57it's not easy.
03:59I've encountered a lot of challenges, both financial,
04:04and at the same time, we're really testing our character here,
04:08how to pursue this dream.
04:11It's really hard because it's mostly costly.
04:16It requires a lot of money to make a dress.
04:21So, it takes a lot of money to come up with a collection.
04:27Yes, you also need to invest.
04:29But what are your goals as a future fashion designer?
04:33Do you have a favorite dress?
04:35Or do you want to have a show abroad?
04:38Yes, ma'am.
04:39It's one of my dreams,
04:41if God's will,
04:43to have a show abroad
04:45and I can wear the beauty queens that I dream of,
04:50just like Katsuyo.
04:53Oh my!
04:54Our signal from Iloilo is just fading away.
04:58But it's great that you're very creative
05:00and that you're also a fashion designer.
05:02Thank you so much.
05:04But it's great that you're very creative
05:08and that you're also a fashion designer.
05:10Okay, go ahead.
05:13My dream is to showcase our culture,
05:18our culture,
05:20the natural materials that we have here in the Philippines,
05:24in a form of fashion.
05:26That's one of my goals
05:28as an aspiring designer,
05:31to showcase what we have here in the Philippines.
05:35And also, if God's will,
05:37to create my own shop in the future.
05:42Good luck!
05:43Let's manifest that you can do it.
05:45But last but not least,
05:47what is your message to the youth
05:49who also dreams to study fashion design
05:54and become a fashion designer?
05:58To fellow youth,
06:00and to my fellow fashion designers,
06:02because me, myself,
06:04I came from a very humble family.
06:06I've been through a lot in life.
06:08It's really, really hard
06:10to continue your dreams and passion in life,
06:13when the financial situation
06:15is the real problem.
06:17But I always strive hard
06:19to achieve all my dreams in life.
06:23And most importantly is that
06:25you have the trust within yourself.
06:27Because if you have trust in yourself,
06:30you know what you're doing,
06:32your passion is there.
06:34It's like everything became easy.
06:36And second is to value
06:38the lessons all throughout your journey,
06:41where you came from,
06:43and appreciate what you've been through in life.
06:48And also to give back to my parents.
06:52And always be humble,
06:57no matter what you've been through in life.
06:59And just stay positive,
07:01just continue in life.
07:04No matter what you want,
07:06you should stay on track
07:08and you'll be able to achieve your dreams.
07:11Because I also came from,
07:13I didn't go out of my shell,
07:15when I was young,
07:17because I was shy.
07:19So this is where I realized
07:21that if you use your talent
07:23in a very good way,
07:25if you use your passion
07:27as an instrument and as a passport,
07:29you'll really achieve success.
07:31Well all the best,
07:33Edjon, and advance congratulations
07:35because you're graduating this year.
07:37And we look forward
07:39to hearing about
07:41your contributions to Miss Universe.
07:43You're the one wearing it.
07:45Thank you very much, Edjion from Iloilo.
07:47Thank you so much.
