Amidst the relentless march of fleeting trends and transient influences, designer Jude Macasinag stands as an artist who dares to delve into the depths of creative introspection
Designer Jude Macasinag’s latest collection VANITAS serves as a testament to his evolving artistic journey—a profound exploration of the transient nature of life and artistry. He illuminates the shadows of our own narratives, reminding us that within the ephemerality of life, there lies a timeless charisma.
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He unravels the inner struggles that have both haunted and nourished his creative spirit. The past months have been a crucible for him, a period of grappling with authenticity in a domain where maintaining a brand becomes a delicate balancing act between self-expression and survival. This intricate dance of identity and commerce finds vivid expression in Jude’s designs as he invites us to navigate the labyrinth of his creative process.
The collection derives its name from the concept of Vanitas, a term rooted in the annals of Western art history. This philosophical touchstone, also known as “memento mori,” serves as a potent reminder of the fleeting nature of existence. Drawing from allegorical symbols, Jude weaves a narrative that challenges the worth of material pursuits and indulgence. His artistic gaze extends beyond this historical reference, delving into the stark realm of Philippine brutalism—an architectural embodiment of societal decay, wrought in concrete and steel. It is a haunting mirror reflecting humanity’s capacity for self-inflicted wounds.
The designer’s creative compass drove him into the very essence of clothing itself as the shifting waves flowed over the preceding year, characterized by abstract, brilliantly hued designs. A quest to redefine the core archetypes of clothing led him to question their role within the fabric of our lives. The culmination of this introspective journey is VANITAS, a collection that harmoniously juxtaposes striking visual forms with poignant traces of decay. It’s an artistic composition that honors the materiality of design while beckoning us to contemplate its impermanence.
VANITAS exceeds the confines of a mere collection; it is a story of self-discovery, a meditation on artistry, philosophy, and the rawness of human emotion. Jude’s work is an embodiment of creative expression that defies temporal constraints, igniting dialogues about the very essence of artistic creation and its intrinsic value.
Jude Macasinag’s collection challenges us to embrace the ephemeral, to find allure in the inexorable passage of time, and to ponder the significance of our creative endeavors. As the designer poignantly concludes, his collection bequeaths us with more questions than answers—a testament to the intricate profundity of his artistic voyage.
Photography SOFIA HURTADO
Beauty AUM DEUÑAS
Model NIDHYA KUMAR
