For his first solo runway show, Martin Bautista is set to begin a new era. Ringing true to his DNA as a designer, Martin likens his upcoming collection to a thesis—one that is weighed by sets of contrasts yet is equalized in the act of balance. With a portfolio of designs that perfectly mirror the Philippine tropical landscape with its vibrant palettes and lively silhouettes, Martin sets the scene for his upcoming collection as “a vacation, a souvenir, a memory.” Like mementos to one’s nostalgia, the designer’s BYS Fashion Week (BYSFW) show is a collection of “keepsakes” that he hopes for his audiences to remain with them.

Martin’s upcoming collection is a “thesis” on the contrasts of life

Slated for October 13, 2024, the designer’s show is set to close the 4-day-long BYSFW. Having been in the works for over 2 years, the upcoming collection marks a point in the evolution of Martin as a creative figure synonymous with Philippine talent today. With a fresh take on styling, colors, and textiles, the designer promises a new perspective on the art of dressing—be it up or down.

Metro.Style caught an exclusive glimpse into Martin Bautista’s BYSFW show during an interview with the designer.

The designer will be featuring a new take on mood and design choices

Metro.Style: Set the scene of your upcoming collection at BYS Fashion Week. What is it about?

Martin: “A vacation, a souvenir, a memory…”

MS: Your collection was described in contrasts: “restraint and flow; control and calmness”. What inspired the narrative behind it?

Martin: “Where I am in life right now, the difference from my past self to my current self, and what affects me as a human being.”

The collection is likened to “taking home a souvenir from a holiday”

MS: You’ve mentioned that this marks a “new era” for you. How does this collection reflect the evolution of your style as a designer?

Martin: “It will be very evident in the choice of styling, mood, color selection, textile. But I also believe this collection is so close and true to my DNA as a designer, but somehow feels very different and new. Somehow it feels like a new era or evolution.”

MS: Having your first solo show is a big achievement. How have you been preparing for your presentation at BYS Fashion Week?

Martin: “Just trying to be productive and doing as much work as I can everyday. Staying focused but also have proper rest and breaks in between work. This has been 2 years in the making.”

Martin begun working on the collection 2 years ago

MS: Tell us the new and interesting details and highlights of this upcoming collection.

Martin: “My first time to work with amazing collaborators for this show. It will be revealed when the collection is out. I can’t wait for everything to come out and see everything come together on the show day. I’m excited for everyone to feel the mood and the vibe of the collection! That for me is the highlight, and at the end of the day, the intention of this collection is to show everyone a new way of dressing whether up or down.”

MS: As your first solo show, how does this collection set the stage for your future work?

Martin: “With each collection that I work on, it always comes with a bunch of new learnings and life lessons to prepare me for my next creative journey.”

Martin advocates for style as a form of enhancing one’s unique identity

MS: Who do you envision wearing your latest collection? How do you want them to feel wearing your designs?

Martin: “Whoever is longing for something different from the usual occasion wear or day wear. I want them to feel like wearing a piece from the collection is taking home a souvenir from a nice vacation or holiday.”

MS: As a designer, what impact do you aspire to have on Philippine fashion, particularly with the release of this new collection?

Martin: “That you can be different from everyone around you, that there’s a choice for something that feels easy, simple but still striking.”

Martin’s show is set to close BYSFW

MS: Lastly, how has BYS helped create platforms for Filipino designers today?

Martin: “I love how BYS was able to bring in young designers, seasoned designers, different aesthetics and voices into one event. It just shows the diversity of the talents we have and I'm very honored to be part of this year’s roster.”

Photos courtesy of Martin Bautista

Article written by Mavi Sulangi

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