Sandro Dela Pena stands at the line where beauty and pragmatism meet.

PHOTOGRAPHY&nbsp;Kevin Brent Sanderson
STYLING&nbsp;Geno Espidol
Lines tend to connote restrictions and boundaries, but for Sandro Dela Pena, they represent a springboard for the imagination. &ldquo;I am particularly drawn to linear details and shapes,&rdquo; the designer shares.&ldquo; I find their simplicity appealing, but the potential they hold for exploring fabric manipulations and applications is [endless].&rdquo;
Intrigued by the Dickinsonia, a genus of extinct organisms, Dela Pena&rsquo;s new work mirrors its oval-shaped, bilaterally symmetrical ribbed fossils, found in the form of imprints and casts on sandstone beds.

Let&rsquo;s talk about your latest collection. What were your inspirations for it?
The collection that I am currently working on focuses on the genus Dickinsonia. My interest lies in visually striking subjects, particularly those that are unfamiliar to me. I am eager to explore and learn more about this genus, which I find particularly intriguing.
Could you tell us more about your brand and how it&rsquo;s evolved through the years? What are your dreams for it?
My brand started during my college years, when I completed a collection from my eponymous line as part of my fashion design and merchandising course. Since then, I have consistently worked on creating pieces and concepts for new collections, in addition to periodically producing pieces for specific clients. In 2024, I participated in a fashion design competition, which led to my second fashion show. Presently, I am working on releasing a collection and hope to release a pret-a-porter collection this year.
What was the most fascinating part of this collection&rsquo;s creation process? Any interesting stories to share about it?
I find that my creativity is best sparked during work hours, when I find myself capable of producing more than I had initially anticipated. The process of sewing, draping, and creating patterns allows my imagination to unfold as I develop new designs and concepts. My initial sketches often serve as a foundation for more innovative ideas.

How has your design perspective shifted or remained since your last release?
Since that time, I have been committed to achieving a balance between theater and functionality in my work. I distinctly recall using these precise words to describe my brand during my college years, and I continue to strive for that level of innovation without compromising pragmatism.
What are your long-term influences? What are the things that have inspired you for years?
While it may be a clich&eacute;, the motivation to persist in my endeavors, to continue engaging in the activities that I find personally fulfilling, and to demonstrate unwavering resolve in the face of adversity, is derived from the recollections of my inang and amang. Moreover, I aspire to actualize my aspirations and reveries. I seek to inhabit these dreams and transform them into tangible realities.

What are your current influences?
I am currently focused and influenced by the beauty of Filipino cinema. While the concept and narrative of the films are inspiring, it is the artistic achievements of the artists and the filmmakers that motivate me to further develop and explore my own creative skills.
Your design philosophy in one sentence? An optimal design is one that achieves a harmonious balance between beauty and pragmatism.

Line of Sight

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