Style Weekend: Lizandro Acera on merging Filipino heritage with contemporary style

Inside the immaculate St. John’s Church in London, budding fashion designer Lizandro Acera presented his latest works that played with themes of motherhood, media literacy, and the complexities of Filipino identity in the diaspora. Born in Spain to both Filipino parents, the Central Saint Martins student has always been fascinated by the transformative power of design and how one piece can tell vivid stories—and in the case of his latest works, it is all about the

pre-colonial past that lingers in the history of the Philippines shared through couture pieces.

The pieces he showcased last July 28, 2024 for the Re/Create catwalk feature intricate textures, bold colors, and silhouettes that highlight the rich tapestry of the Filipino culture. In conversation with Style Weekend, the young designer details more about his life studying in one of the most prestigious arts and design schools, the inspirations that drive his creative process, and his mission as a designer.

First of all, what inspired you to be a fashion designer?

My inspiration initially came from my interest in video games. Whenever I played games that allowed character customization, I would spend hours perfecting every detail, even if the game wasn’t primarily about dressing up. This passion for personalizing characters made me want to bring that same level of customization and storytelling into real life through fashion. I wanted to create designs that allowed me to express my identity and create my own world.

Can you share with us your story? Where do you live in the Philippines before pursuing fashion studies in London?

I was actually born in Spain, but both of my parents are from the Philippines. I got insights into Filipino culture through the few times I visited and grew up with Filipino traditions at home. When I was 10 years old, we moved to London. This transition was pivotal for me, as it opened up a more creative pathway that wasn’t as readily introduced to me in Spain. London’s diverse environment played a significant role in nurturing my interest in fashion and creativity.

How was the experience studying at Central Saint Martins?

I am currently in my second year at Central Saint Martins, and the experience has been transformative so far. The environment is incredibly stimulating, with peers and mentors who continually make me challenge myself. The exposure to different perspectives has been invaluable, shaping my approach to design and creativity and allowing me to ensure I stay true to myself. I’m excited to see how my journey at Central Saint Martins will conclude next year.

Who are the fashion designers you look up to?

While I don’t draw much inspiration from specific fashion designers, I am deeply inspired by traditions and cultural heritage. The rich tapestry of cultural narratives, traditional craftsmanship, and historical elements from the different communities I grew up in fuel my creativity. These cultural influences help me create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in meaning and storytelling.

Who are the people behind Re/Create? What was the event about?

Re/Create Catwalk was a couture runway that champions emerging designers who fuse traditional elements with cutting-edge technologies. It is an event that not only showcases innovative designs but also fosters an inclusive dialogue within the fashion industry, celebrating both diversity and artistic revolution. The event featured designers such as myself, BingRong Huang, Karina Bond, and Jimovir Domoustchiev, and was produced and directed by Minwen Luo and Youyou Zhou.

Let’s talk about your collection. Does it have a title and what is the inspiration behind it?

For this show, I only presented two looks. My designs are inspired by keen observations, creating a continuous visualization of modern techniques and forms with a subtle homage to the remnants of a vivid pre-colonial past that lingers in the history of the Philippines. The shapes, elevated through intricate textures and engulfing colors, envelop the viewer with an intense statement of defiance. Ruffled skirts signify the convulsive yet decaying movements of intertwined cultures that define my identity. I seek to understand my Western perceptions through a less colonized lens, representing my amalgamation of cultures with sharp, confident yet introspective fashion choices.

How long did you work on it, what are the materials, and techniques you used?

I worked on this collection through different periods during my studies, constantly revisiting and refining the designs. I aimed to connect both looks by exploring a similar narrative throughout the process. The materials and techniques used were selected to enhance this narrative, incorporating repetition of textured fabrics and contrast of lifeless and vibrant colors to reflect on personal memories. Techniques such as fabric manipulation were employed to achieve the elevated shapes and textures, creating a cohesive and meaningful representation of my design identity.

How would you define your design aesthetic?

I think I would describe my aesthetic as bold, large, and intensely expressive. I focus on creating designs that make a strong visual and emotional impact. My work aims to evoke a mixture of traditional and modern responses. Each piece is a blend of dramatic forms with rich textures to create a compelling and memorable statement.

What is your mission as a designer?

I think my main mission as a designer is to allow the viewer to understand cultural perception within my craft.

To know more about Lizandro Acera and his works, visit @lizandroacera on Instagram.

Credits:

Director and Production: Minwen Luo and Youyou Zhou

Designer: Lizandro Acera and Haymitch Lai

Photographers: Stefano Guiliano, Parinya Wongwannawat, and Luca Stine

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