Among the nine designers who presented in PEFTA fashion show, Xernan Orticio bagged the top prize of being featured on the January/February 2012 issue of Preview magazine. The Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) graduate presented a sharply executed collection of pattern-cut dresses, crop-top and midi-skirt pairings, and oversized lapel jackets that the Preview judges (Editor-in-Chief Pauline Juan and Fashion Editor Daryl Chang) deemed cover-worthy.

 

Describing his aesthetic as "polished industrial" and a "balance between art and utility," Xernan churns out pieces that are indeed hard-edged but executed with tailoring finesse and refinement. The young designer's garments are characterized by recognizable geometric panels that the meticulous creative has made his won. He says, "I was under the class of Paul & John Herrer where I inherited their fascination with details and geometricc cuttings. The institue also honed my technical skills and changed my views about the industry. I was able to showcase a collection at Philippine Fashion Week at the age of 19 and it opened a lot of doors for me."

 

- Excerpt from Jae Pickrell's article in Stylebible.ph