CHAM SANTOS of Black Velvet, Philippines
as part of #IDFW22 #AIDFW season 2022 (6th JAN 2022) https://aseanfashiondesignersshowcase.wordpress.com/asea.../ and https://thehomeground.asia/.../asean-international.../
Designer Profile:
That wonder seeker flair or call it her innate gypsy side of style follower Charmaine ‘Cham’ Santos has paved the way to follow her pursuit of fashion. As a free-spirited teen who was once admittedly obsessed with boho chic craze became more curious of how fashion can affect and change the mindset of any person. At a tender age of 16, she has always believed that being well-dressed is a form of manner and expression. Her initial aim was to do styling jobs that will enable her to experiment and create a distinct image.
With that, she admits that she has always been amazed with the glitter of Hollywood style glitz and that has inspired even her more. That gradually added fuel to her genuine interest in fashion. This has pushed Cham to explore and learn more on her chosen field plus the fact that she was practically raised in a family that capitalized style into a thriving biz. But she has discovered that more than being a stylist, her real calling was to be a designer. Cham had her formal studies of design at College of Saint Benilde Art School. Besides the visual part of the design, what has drawn her eventually into it were the aesthetics and technicalities interwoven in every aspect of a clothing. From the structure, to the texture, color coordinating and craftsmanship involved in creating a masterpiece has made her love fashion even more. She also gives gratitude to her designer teachers that didn’t get tired of training her the basics, instilling the ‘be who you are’ mindset and never copy anyone’s design while teaching the proper style aspects in every step of the way. During this learning process, a streak of well-defined confidence has emerged in Cham’s system that goes very well with her style instinct which later motivated her to create her own label. All that she has learned in and out of the class while having hands-on training with their family’s garments biz, Cham summed it all and started her very own ready-to-wear (RTW) line, Black Velvet. “I love colors, textures and prints. I always start my design ideas with that, and it flows freely. I’m happy that I can do that with what I’m passionate about and the designs that I love.” Cham rightfully knew that the learning does not stop there. She is geared up to every challenge and is welcoming short pitstops in her style journey. Now, she has stepped up her game and is finally joining the ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase. Through this noteworthy endeavor, Cham is aiming to break out to amplify her brand’s network as well as reach. Likewise, it will be another feat of success soon to be added in her brand’s portfolio. “I’m looking forward to my brand’s expansion and at the same time be acknowledged to other Asian countries. I know this show is the right avenue to make progress. You see majority of my fellow designers have gone the ready-to-wear route and my only motivation is for my brand to stand out.”
BRAND PROFILE:
Black Velvet speaks of trend meets practicality. In keeping up with the global trends and changing style behavior, Cham Santos conceptualized and created Black Velvet in 2015. A ready-to-wear brand that gives fashion freedom to modern women through the distinctly made clothes perfectly suited for their every style needs.
Cham has always envisioned the brand to compete against the foreign counterparts and at the same time highlight the best aspect of Filipina’s body through clothes that defines subtly sexy mode but very wearable on every occasion that they head to. The label is currently housed in 20 branches of the big named retail department stores all around the Philippines making it accessible to their clients. Cham is an esteem member and fashion ambassador of the ASEAN Fashion Designer Showcase representing Philippines
special thanks: Neva Weber of Dressed AU and Hayden NG of ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase