It starts with beat. It begins with a feeling.
This is how Basic Movement's founder Esme Palaganas creates her dreamy collections. If you're a Fashion Week goer, you know her show is one of the most anticipated. And it's not just because her designs are always well-made and gorgeous, it's also because they evoke a feeling that you can't help but resonate with. Her inspirations are seamlessly translated from one art form to textile design.
In an interview with Preview, she further explains, "I get to source inspirations/details from movies (mostly comes from period movies, and snapshots from more modern ones). I get inspired from a film's color grading as well. Even if I don't use that much color in my collections, color does direct me in a way. I get inspired with artists as well, recently I really love Nicole Tee's thread work. Very inspiring for textile/surface design."
Below, we talk more with the De La Salle - College of St. Benilde alumna about her designs, inspirations, and aesthetic. Read on!
What's your design aesthetic and philosophy?
"The style of my designs are strongly driven by a color story and strong silhouettes. My pieces are no fuss and is all about clean lines with surprising textile use. Basic Movement is all about that 'what you see is what you get' kind of clothes with hidden surprises. Simple, straightforward, but with a twist."
Do you have a signature design or key element evident in your collections?
"I love solid colors and loose silhouettes. I rarely do all-out bodycon silhouettes, but if I do bodycon silhouettes, [they're] always juxtaposed with loose pieces. It's always a mix of masculine and feminine, strong and soft."
Can you walk us your creative process while designing clothes?
"It starts with a very tested/usual silhouette, then I combine it with unexpected details and fabrications. I want to put familiarity in something that's unfamiliar."
Is there a specific girl you have in mind when you create your collections?
"Basic Movement identifies to anyone who respects the old and embraces the new, loves the nostalgia and the novel. Her choices aren't defined by where she is but by what she is and what she wants. She knows when to be serious and when to have fun. She's a bit of everything."
Could you describe the lifestyle that fits the Basic Movement philosophy?
"Very cliche, but it's for the person who moves, who works, and wants to bring a 'lil something to her everyday. Practicality and frivolity combined."
What's your price range for your RTW and custom designs?
"Right now from our collections, our ready-to-wear prices range from P2500 to P15,000. Custom base price starts at P10,000 to P12,000."
Esme has recently shown her work at AirAsia's Designer Search at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week. She will also be presenting at the Bench Design Awards this coming Sunday.
For appointments, you can find her at her atelier every Wednesday and Friday or you can reach her via e-mail at esme@basicmovement.ph.
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