The fashion designer takes over Comme Ci with a residency showcasing his stunning RTW collection, where design meets function.

Up-and-coming independent designer Renz Reyes is making waves in the ready-to-wear (RTW) scene. Collaborating with the PHx Fashion Group, Reyes introduces Codex of Design &mdash; a three-month residency at Comme Ci in Powerplant Mall, Makati City. The retail showcase highlights Reyes&rsquo; distinctive design codes, featuring masterful embroidery, structured tailoring, and intricate patterns. 
Speaking with L&rsquo;Officiel Philippines, Reyes shares his design inspirations and the creative process behind his striking yet functional ready-to-wear pieces.

Reyes&rsquo; journey into fashion wasn&rsquo;t a straightforward one. Although he developed a deep appreciation for the industry at a young age &mdash; avidly collecting fashion magazines &mdash; he initially pursued a degree in advertising. This choice stemmed from the limited opportunities in fashion at the time, which made a career in the field feel uncertain. Reyes began his professional path as a graphic designer, seeking a broader design foundation to enhance his versatility.
&ldquo;After graduating from college, I took a short course in fashion,&rdquo; Reyes shares. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t feel the need to enroll in a full fashion course because I already had a background in design and the arts. I just wanted to learn the skills needed to make clothes.&rdquo;

Reyes&rsquo; diverse design background is evident in his work, which marries intricate details with visual precision. His experience as a graphic designer strongly influences the composition and structure of his garments. Furthermore, his decade-long tenure at the fashion brand Natori honed his expertise in embroidery and embellishments. &ldquo;I really applied everything I learned from working there into the clothes I create now,&rdquo; Reyes shares, reflecting on how his past experiences shaped his distinctive approach to design.

With his recent foray into RTW, Reyes carefully navigates the balance between design innovation and practicality. His creative process involves blending his signature complex patterns and intricate embellishments with considerations for production efficiency and cost. 
&ldquo;The more complex the clothes are, the more expensive it will be. So, that also needs to be considered when you&rsquo;re selling ready-to-wear, of course. I try to find the balance [between] my signature work and make it more convenient and practical.&rdquo;
Reyes&rsquo;s fashion career has been one of continuous growth and evolution. It began in 2011 when he attended fashion school while simultaneously pursuing custom design work. Over the years, his dedication to honing his craft has brought new opportunities, including a recent milestone &mdash; a pop-up shop in collaboration with PHx and Comme Ci. This experience marked a turning point for Reyes and his brand, offering unprecedented reach and allowing him to connect with customers who had been following his work online.
&ldquo;My clothes are the kind that you need to see and touch,&rdquo; Reyes explains. &ldquo;I always try to make them visual online, but it&rsquo;s a different experience when you can actually hold these clothes.&rdquo;

Experience Renz Reyes&rsquo; retail showcase at Comme Ci, Powerplant Mall, until February 18, 2025.&nbsp;

Renz Reyes Creates Balance Between Ready-to-Wear Design and Practicality

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