Designer Profile: John and Paul Herrera
by Mariane Perez, Editorial Assistant, Preview
Identical in appearance, but not in style, John (left) and Paul have a shared passion for design.
To the young and hip style-setters of Manila, John and Paul Herrera are somewhat of a novelty. Identical twins who share more than just DNA, they’ve made a name for themselves in the fashion world with their interesting, yet disparate points of view. John, the older twin, pioneers an experimental take on clothing design, expressed with a dark yet elegant aesthetic. Paul, on the other hand, creates whimsical accessories inspired by nature. At the last Philippine Fashion Design Competition, Paul won the grand prize for his neckpiece—an artistic array of floating, ashy butterflies. Here, the maverick designers share their thoughts.
John Herrera, Fashion Designer
Design philosophy: I like to push the boundaries of clothing in terms of construction and aesthetics.
How would you describe your clothes? Experimental. Futuristic.
Where do you find inspiration? From things I dream about, things I’m afraid of. The monsters in my head I turn into lovely dresses.
Why did you decide to go into fashion design and what was your biggest breakthrough? I’ve always had an eye for [fashion] and I’ve been sketching all my life. Then in college I saw Cecile Zamora and I said to my self that I could do [what she does]. I’ll be really happy making clothes. Even if I don’t make money, I wanted her life.
What are the ups and downs of having a twin who is also a designer? We always fight about aesthetics. I hate color! But when we work together we can make the most amazing things, that we even surprise ourselves!
Favorite fashion designers: I love Rei Kawakubo and what she represents. Her greatest contribution in fashion is to educate people that fashion is not just about BEAUTY.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Maybe a painter.
Future plans? I want a store with my name on it!
Paul Herrera, Accessories Designer
Design philosophy: My design philosophy is this: coming up with accessories that are both innovative and fuss-free. In this way, a person would wear them because they are modern and functional, and they won’t be a distraction.
How would you describe your accessories? Modern and androgynous.
Who do you design for? Young girls who see the future in their heads.
Where do you find inspiration? From things in nature (reptile skins, the sun’s rays through leaves, natural disasters), the moon, and my moods.
Why did you decide to go into accessories design? Because I’m passionate about texture and theatrics. When I took up theater arts (production design), I knew instantly that my weird interest in making headdresses and breast plates and wings more than designing actual costumes was going to lead to me designing accessories only.
What are the ups and downs of having a twin who is also a designer? It’s easier having a twin who is as brilliant and as dedicated to his craft and style as my brother John. He inspires me a lot and we get to agree and disagree about everything. At the end of the day, everything’s well thought out. What I dislike is that people tend to compare and contrast, like a drill in an English class.
Favorite fashion designer: Jean Paul Gaultier. I can relate to all the drama.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? A tarot reader or a pop star. Both are fab, I think.
Favorite piece that you designed? The Black Monarch neckpiece, because I made the entire neckpiece by myself. I developed the technique of burning butterfly appliqués out of satin, and I thought that it was something new and innovative so I entered it in the Philippine Fashion Design Competition and it won. So that’s one of the things that made me realize I’m doing the right thing.
Future plans? I am starting my own line this year. I want to be in every store in the metro.
John’s darkly whimsical creations for Philippine Fashion Week 2007.
John Herrera’s frocks—from ash to gunmetal—exhibit dimension via texture.
Paul Herrera’s Black Monarch headpiece, which John used in his last show. A neckpiece with a similar design won Paul the grand prize for accessories in this year’s Philippine Fashion Design Competition.
