<p>Fourteen designers, one stage, and a collection of stories you won&rsquo;t forget.</p>

<p>In <strong>IBG KAL Theater </strong>at <strong>UP Diliman</strong>, the graduating class of the <strong>BS Clothing Technology program</strong> staged something far more ambitious than a fashion show&mdash;they offered a glimpse into their lives, their fears, their dreams, and their futures.</p>
<p><strong>'<a href="https://www.instagram.com/updbsct2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vanitas</a>'</strong>, the 2025 graduation fashion showcase featured 14 collections, each a deeply personal exploration of themes ranging from resilience to nostalgia, all while demonstrating remarkable craftsmanship.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Veil of the Lake' by Julia Villamil&nbsp;</h3>

<p><strong>Julia Villamil</strong>&rsquo;s <strong>'Veil of the Lake'</strong> revisited her ballet dreams, shattered by injury but reimagined as flowing silhouettes inspired by '<strong>Swan Lake'</strong>. Her collection was a celebration of transformation, weaving fragility and strength into one cohesive story.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Sunburst' by Mika Sibug</h3>

<p><strong>Mika Sibug&rsquo;</strong>s <strong>'Sunburst' </strong>offered a joyful nod to childhood daydreams, with bright gingham prints, ruffles, and a carefree spirit that charmed the audience. It was a reminder of how fashion can evoke happiness through simplicity.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Ang Syudad' by Marius Legurpa</h3>

<p><strong>Marius Legurpa</strong>&rsquo;s <strong>'Ang Syudad' </strong>captured the pulse of urban life, translating the grit and vibrancy of city streets into wearable art. Denim, cotton, and jersey in raw, industrial tones reflected shared experiences of life in the Philippines&rsquo; bustling metropolises.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Tahanan sa Aking Balintataw' by Dee Dimaano</h3>

<p><strong>Dee Dimaano</strong>&rsquo;s <strong>'Tahanan sa Aking Balintataw' </strong>delved into deeply personal territory, using fabrics left behind by her late mother to craft garments that embodied home, family, and memory. Each piece was a poignant tribute to her roots and her loss.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Corpocutie' by Andrei Mendiola</h3>

<p><strong>Andrei Mendiola </strong>brought a playful twist with <strong>'Corpocutie'</strong>, blending corporate tailoring with whimsical pastel hues and flounces. Inspired by his love of Barbie dolls, the collection celebrated individuality and defied gendered expectations of dress codes.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Santan' by Yoriko Sundiam</h3>

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<p><strong>Yoriko Sundiam</strong>&rsquo;s <strong>'Santan' </strong>evoked the warmth of childhood, with floral motifs and soft fabrics reminiscent of her memories of home. It was a tender homage to her roots, told through every stitch, capturing the innocence and simplicity of moments often overlooked but deeply cherished.</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Transmogrification' by Andrew Llave</h3>

<p><strong>Andrew Llave</strong>&rsquo;s <strong>'Transmogrification' </strong>drew inspiration from the metamorphosis of a moth. Dynamic designs represented the ever-changing nature of life, with each piece embodying transformation and reinvention.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Through the Looking Glass' by Anna Cecilia</h3>

<p><strong>Anna Cecilia</strong>&rsquo;s <strong>'Through the Looking Glass' </strong>brought baroque elements and vintage gold mirrors to life, crafting opulent silhouettes that reflected her journey of embracing her true, intricate self. Lustrous fabrics shimmered like reflections, inviting the audience into her world.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'JuneChild' by Yasha Rosales</h3>

<p><strong>Yasha Rosales</strong>&rsquo;s<strong> 'JuneChild'</strong> merged playful and eerie, turning dollhouse nostalgia into something surprisingly sophisticated. Details like doll hair and miniature mirrors added depth to her garments, creating a sense of otherworldly charm.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Manmade' by Carmela Cachola</h3>

<p><strong>Carmela Cachola</strong>&rsquo;s<strong> 'Manmade' </strong>offered a dystopian yet beautiful vision of the future, with distressed, scorched fabrics telling a haunting story of survival. Her post-apocalyptic aesthetic invited reflection on humanity&rsquo;s impact and the beauty found in imperfection.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Virago' by Bianca Duran</h3>

<p><strong>Bianca Duran</strong>&rsquo;s<strong> 'Virago'</strong> explored female rage and resilience, inspired by her own experiences with misogyny. Wrapped necklines and bold, dramatic silhouettes embodied strength and grace, reclaiming space for women in powerful ways.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">'Artesano' by Kath Allen Baillo</h3>

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<p><strong>Kath Allen Baillo</strong>&rsquo;s <strong>'Artesano' </strong>reflects her creative journey, bridging art and fashion through sculptural designs that explore structure, texture, and form. Each piece blurs the line between fashion and sculpture, evoking movement, transformation, and a timeless sense of permanence while offering a glimpse into her evolving vision.</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span>'</span><strong>Pelagia' by&nbsp;</strong><strong>Allianz Maturino</strong></h3>

<p><strong>Allianz Maturino</strong>&rsquo;s <strong>'Pelagia'</strong> captured the ethereal beauty of the ocean, with fluid silhouettes and iridescent fabrics reflecting the quiet elegance of underwater life. It was a serene yet powerful reminder of nature&rsquo;s allure.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>'Cardinal' by&nbsp;</strong><strong>Kriz Boston</strong></h3>

<p><strong>Kriz Boston</strong> closed the show with<strong> 'Cardinal'</strong>, a provocative collection inspired by the seven deadly sins. Bold, theatrical garments challenged the audience to confront morality and temptation, leaving a lasting impression.</p>

<p>What made 'Vanitas' remarkable wasn&rsquo;t just the technical prowess or the fresh perspectives&mdash;it was the heart behind every piece. These weren&rsquo;t collections trying to chase trends or win approval; they were deeply personal expressions, unpolished in the best way, brimming with honesty and intent. We saw the promise of a generation that doesn&rsquo;t just design&mdash;they reflect, question, and push boundaries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Photographed by:<strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bimpoman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bimpoman</a></strong><br />Makeup by: <strong>Makeup Madness Philippines</strong></p>

VANITAS: A New Wave of Fashion

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