Ensembles Young Designer Series x Chris Diaz

I am so thankful for Freeway, Ensembles and Solo for always reaching out to me every time a new collection comes out. I feel so grateful that they see my blog as a medium to spread the word. This time around, I would like to share to you the creations of Chris Diaz.

Ensembles is an epitome of empowered women fashion – individualistic and sophisticated. The retail brand never fails to provide its customers a well-rounded collection as Ensembles continues to collaborate with today’s most celebrated fashion designers through its Young Designer Series. The collaboration aims to create something truly unique but will still be very much Ensembles – a perfect balance of wearability and artistry – versatile and timeless pieces that can be worn to work or on the weekend, just as easily. Now on its 4th installment, Ensembles welcomes fashion designer Chris Diaz to take part in this year’s Holiday Collection of Ensembles’ Young Designers’ Series. The past collections featured James Reyes, Debbie Co, Louis Claparols and Choc & Yvette Religioso.

Chris Diaz was first catapulted into the Manila fashion industry after becoming a finalist in the 2002 MEGA Young Designers Competition. He has been labeled as a “Romantic” Designer because of his trademark fascination with feminine frills, lace and floral. With Chris Diaz on board, romanticism takes center stage in the form of lace, soft fabrics and color blocking. “I’m very excited with this collaboration! There’s a lot for everyone – a balance of feminine silhouette and use of romantic element and a smart range of color blockings that will flatter everyone!”, Chris Diaz shared when asked to talk about the collaboration.

This 17 piece collection includes standout dresses and blazers, flattering tops in chiffon and poplin, dresses and skirts all grounded in different treatments such as lovely laces, colorblocking and soft fabrics – representing a woman that is romantic and effortlessly chic. Diaz understands what women want to wear and which elements can flatter the body.

Chris Diaz discovered his passion for fashion design during his high school years. He’d be making designs for friends and a few teachers and was involved in the production as well. After high school, fate and luck lead him to work for a wonderful lace manufacturer that started his love for laces which then became his design aesthete. “Fashion schooling was not an option as times were hard then. I just slowly worked on becoming one while I studied and worked as an interior designer.” Being a finalist of MEGA Young Designers Competition in 2002 gave him a firm first step in the fashion industry.

“Fashion is an expression, a wearable art”. Finding your own design identity was never easy. Chris Diaz’ affinity with all things feminine and romantic led him to his specific style. His fascination with feminine frills, lace and floral has been his trademark thus magazines and reviews consistently dubbed him as a “romantic” designer. “It will be my default design DNA.”

Diaz once won in Malaysia International Fashion Awards as the Best Evening Wear Designer. “On top of the award and recognitions, happy and satisfied clients and the ability to share my blessings through my craft are my greatest achievements.”

Here is the rest of our interview with Chris Diaz:

E: If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be?

E: How do you spend your time on aside from designing?

E: What’s your happy pill?

E: How will you spend your Holidays?

Visit www.ensembles.com.ph to view the entire Ensembles by Chris Diaz Young Designers Series Holiday 2012 Collection . Like on Facebook and follow on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram @EnsemblesOnline.

Ensembles’ celebrity endorser Carmina Villarroel loved the pieces that she wore from the collection during its campaign photoshoot, “I personally love the dress with lace panel but I super like the entire collection, from the colors selection, the design, the fabrics –versatile yet very sophisticated.” Carmina and the theme of the collection – romanticism – are a perfect fit. Despite her very busy schedule having primetime soap, a talk show, running her business and with so many endorsements under her belt, her aura radiates nothing but bliss and love. Her bubbly personality and a very happy married and family life are her ultimate secrets. “I am very blessed I have the best of both worlds, a great family and career. “ The foiled proposal plan of Zoren to Carmina during their recent Japan trip was revealed to public and Carmina admitted that she truly appreciated her partner’s effort to make the trip memorable and said that they are already planning to wed very soon. Like most every one of us, Carmina was affected with the recent calamity “Our home was flooded during the Habagat, but not as bad as Ondoy. We had to stay in the hotel for few days but thank God we’re all safe”. But there’s always rainbow after the rain, her primetime teleserye Lorenzo’s Time was a nationwide hit, high TV ratings and continues to win the hearts of viewers with its beautiful story and effective cast.