Young Filipino designer Ellis Co invites everyone to “reminisce the future” with his upcoming collection “Memoirs of the Future.”
Merging the past and what’s to come through design, the collection is set to mark the launch of his urban high fashion label ARCHIVES, established earlier this year.
In making the collection, the 21-year-old true fashion creative took influences from Brutalist architectural style from the ‘50s and ‘60s, and New Brutalism from Berlin and Copenhagen.
Known for its monolithic appearance and geometric beauty, the architectural movement is combined with the Japanese fashion aesthetic. This makes the collection a showcase of ensembles that reimagines silhouettes aiming to redefine clothing function and reimagine the idea of fashion for individuals.
“I chose the brand name ARCHIVES because the clothes that I design are timeless and lasting pieces, and in itself, a collection of historical records,” said Co, who started his foray to design by creating shirts at the age of 16.
The brand’s founder and director of design added: “I perceive these pieces as the remnants of me as a designer for years to come, and years after I’m gone.”
“For this collection, I tasked myself with redefining function by adding and creating new functions on my designs,” said the designer who studied entrepreneurial management at the University of Asia and the Pacific.
While working as the assistant vice president for operations for his family’s real estate and construction company, Sunwest Group Holdings Company, Inc., he established two fashion brands prior to ARCHIVES.
In his latest endeavor, he is joined by visual artist Reika Mayani, who serves as the creative director of the brand.
“When I design, I’m very focused on the silhouette, how the shape looks, how the piece drops on the body, especially the minor details,” Co noted. “Basically, I’m trying to make something that hasn’t been done yet but is still familiar. I try to find the familiarity in the unfamiliar.”
ARCHIVES’ “Memoir of the Future” collection will be revealed on July 27, 2022 at Whitespace Manila in Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City, which will be live streamed online.
Beyond just a traditional runway show, the collection’s launch will be a truly multi-sensory experience with a graphic projection of the line’s inspiration, a taste of the future with molecular gastronomy, and a scentstation, all leading to the unveiling of the collection with a unique sound experience as the designer will produce original music for the show.
To stay updated about the coming of “Memoirs of the Future,” follow @archives.galerie on Instagram.
