“I have nothing to wear!” “What do I do?!” Do these phrases sound familiar to you? Phrases you often use when you are helplessly scavenging in your cupboard, looking for the perfect outfit, but it just isn’t there? An outfit that makes you feel empowered? An outfit that compliments your personality. An outfit that will help in creating an everlasting impression. The moment you walk into the room and all eyes are suddenly on you…an outfit like that? A situation worth revelling at, similar to the iconic green dress that Jennifer Lopez wore to the Grammy’s in February 2000.
With designs that artistically and dexterously balance between classicism and fantasy to colouring outside the lines when it comes to fashion, fret not, Garimon Roferos is here to create and make your dream outfit a reality. Having won numerous reputable awards, and even being named as one of the “100 most influential Filipinos in the world,” The Davao Filipino native’s brand, Garimon Roferos Couture not only furnishes to every customer’s desire, but also aims make their dreams, especially that of women, a reality.
Self-driven, versatile, ever-changing and exciting, Garimon’s motto is “Always be fabulous and glamorous.”
How would you describe your idea of Fashion? What piqued your interest in pursuing a career in this industry?
Garimon: My idea of fashion is about a glimpse into someone’s personality.
I have a fascination with fashion. This passion really took off for me in my younger years. I love creating avant-garde designs with a balance of classicism. Since then, I have become intrinsically motivated to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
Can you tell us about a time where you suggested a creative idea to a manager or designer and were ignored? How did you handle that situation?
Garimon: In this creative field you should be able to widen your ideas. Everyone has a different perspective of fashion and when my idea has been ignored I respect people’s opinions and point of view.
What was your vision behind Garimon Roferos Couture and what are the values that your brand stands by?
Garimon: Garimon Roferos Couture Vision : We strive to be a global leader in the couture world and ready to wear by empowering innovation and design to provide total customer satisfaction.
The Values that my brand stands are integrity, exceptional customer relationship, strive to be caring and well managed organization for our business, customers and employees and responsible corporate to our society
What skills do you think are necessary to be successful in the fashion industry?
Garimon: The skills I think that are necessary to be successful in this fashion industry are; Perseverance, Ambition, Creativity, and I believe that the most important element in the fashion industry is also putting in your heart in the work you do.
What are some of the creations or projects you’ve worked on that you are most proud of?
Garimon: When I won the coveted Concours Internationale Des Jeunes Créateurs de Mode’s D’Incitation held in Paris, France in 2004. My entry was an ingenious design of an architecturally structured Philippine terno made purely from aquatic plant lilies and bago-bago vines that caught the eyes of the judges, particularly of fashion icon Pierre Cardin.
As someone who is rewriting the rules in fashion, why do you think that some people involved in the industry shy away from taking risks?
Garimon: For me, it’s not just the fear of failure that scares people away from taking risks — it’s fear of success. And the bigger the risk taken, the bigger the chance for a larger payout. No matter how much confidence you exude, self-doubt always creeps in that’s why people involved in the fashion industry shy away risk
How did you manage to keep your business afloat, in the midst of the COVID Pandemic? What were some of the initial struggles you and your brand had faced?
Garimon: In the midst of Covid Pandemic, we are what we call survivors. No one wants to buy dresses to sit at home.
We keep the business afloat by analysing the business scenario at this pandemic times and thinking how to adapt to the current market without sacrificing the quality of the dresses. My team and I are creating ideas on how to create, innovate and produce dresses in a sustainable way.
How do you keep yourself updated with trends that continuously evolve in fashion?
Garimon: Besides looking for trends on social media, especially colours, I make sure to do my research and also create my own styles.
How would you describe your style?
Garimon: I’m a minimalist, as I mostly wear black or white. If not black then it’s dark blue. My brand is mostly intricate, soft, lightweight, wearable and glamourous.
What are some of the brands or designers you’d love to collaborate with?
Ans. Until now, I’ve never really thought about collaborating with other designers.
What advice would you give to the younger generation who aspire to carve a niche for themselves in the fashion industry?
Ans. Be ambitious, be creative with perseverance and confidence with your art.
Love your work and stay humble.
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