The SoFA graduates transform dreams into reality, shaping abstract concepts into tangible works of art that mirror the evolution of their souls
Dreams often flutter like fragile butterflies, tantalizingly close yet elusive in their grasp. Reality, they say, is the harsh mistress who demands sacrifice and toil, a toll paid in the currency of sweat and tears. Yet, when dreams become reality, it becomes worth it. This is the case for these SoFA graduating students of 2024. In their atelier, The Ethereal Dreamers’ hopes become the fabric from which reality is tailored, each stitch a reflection of the soul’s endless imagination. Here, the space is not just a step, but a portal to infinite possibilities, where reality itself is cut with the scissors of inspiration and stitched with the thread of determination.
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Lucia Cadiz
In the maze of existence, one soul navigates through spaces of ambiguity toward ultimate illumination. Lucia Cadiz’s collection “Dilemma’s Departure” explores self-discovery amid existential struggle. Her designs, which include a palette dominated by gray, black, and white, symbolize the beauty of progress despite fragility. Cadiz highlights soul evolution and human spirit resilience through layers and textures that envelope the skin.
Dana Sadile
How can one convert the mundane aspects of life into valued art? Dana Sadile’s “Chasing the Dream” collection, inspired by her family’s immigrant background, celebrates the daily battles that shape our destinies. With a palette of blues and grays and an abundance of pleats and ties, her designs exude strength, determination, and unwavering resolve towards the gratitude she holds for her family.
Gerald Farofaldane
It’s a collection pulsating with the hues of life’s blood. In a poignant tribute to those affected by HIV and AIDS, Gerald Farofaldane discloses “Flight of Sodom.” Through vivid gradients, smears, and patterns, his collection depicts the interconnectedness of human suffering and the strength of the human spirit. With each garment, Farofaldane ignites awareness and kindles hope, illustrating that love and empathy can conquer stigma and adversity.
Elisha Nicole Solamo
Friend or foe? Exploring this delicate balance, Elisha Nicole Solamo presents her collection inspired by wasps and bees. With a palette of gold, black, and red, her designs symbolize the dichotomy of human relationships and the complexities of trust and betrayal. Through circular shapes and meticulous detailing, Nicolep ponders the complexities of human nature and the bonds that bind us together, or the circular nature of wings and stings.
Gil Justin Salazar
More woman than you believe. Gil Justin Salazar presents “Femme Squared”, an exhibition of resistance against conventional constraints. With vivid colors and complex textures, his collection embraces the spectrum of femininity in all its forms and folds. Salazar prepares an exploration of the limitless dimensions of womanhood, serving as true empowerment comes from embracing our authentic selves without hesitation.
Janelle Maxine Hung
Where do we go from here? Janelle Maxine Hung releases her all-white collection weaved through knit and crochet, along with distressed accents in “Intertwined”. This collection explores the limitless possibilities that may come after death as a way of coping and grieving the loss of loved ones. Through delicate detailing and ethereal motifs, Hung contemplates the mysteries of existence and find solace in the idea that our loved ones live on in another dimension.
Kamille Ramos
She’s strong enough, and she’ll make you believe it. Kamille Ramos’ “Renata” collection, with colors reminiscent of the earth’s natural tones and its roots, offers tenacity and regeneration. Ramos encourages us to accept misfortune as a conduit for change, emerging from the depths with renewed strength and diligence, using cleverly designed cut-outs and folded pieces that represent life’s scars and progress.
Kyle Reese Capistrano
Kyle Reese Capistrano’s collection defies reality—after all, it exists within dreams. Capistrano’s patterns evoke fairy tales, transporting us to beautiful forests and fantastical worlds where dreams come true in bright colors and delicate textures. Her colorful works inspire us to travel freely and discover the limitless gems of our own imagination.
The Ethereal Dreamers have transcended dreams, transforming them into tangible works of art that reflect the depths of the human spirit. Through their collections, Lucia Cadiz, Dana Sadile, Gerald Farofaldane, Elisha Nicole Solamo, Gil Justin Salazar, Kamille Ramos, and Kyle Reese Capistrano have ventured into the multiverse of imagination. Their creations serve as beacons of hope, illuminating the path for future dreamers to follow. Dreams may flutter, but with perseverance, they can indeed take flight.
Photography JHARWIN CASTANEDA. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion and Beauty Direction SEAN CASTELO. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup MURIEL VEGA PEREZ for BARENBLISS. Hair BRYAN EUSEBIO. Models RAEJELL ROXAS and JOANNA POJAS. Production Design MIGS ALCID of STUDIO TATIN, assisted by KYRA PADILLA, ALEXA BAROÑA, and VIENNA BLEZA. Shoot Coodination JOANNA FERNANDO. Shot on location ONE HECTARE CREATIVE GROUNDS
