The RadarThe MEGA Blog

The participants of the Eighth Young Designer’s Competition have never been more excited. With the awards night happening on March 24 at Edsa Shangri-La, the finalists are up and about, eagerly making their designs come to life.

Last February 2, the eight finalists headed to Carolina’s in Megamall to shop and look around for the best garments and accessories that they can use for their designs.

The finalists also had their first ever photoshoot last February 16 held at the Mega Publishing Group Studio. Past YDC winners and now notable fashion icons Aries Lagat, Ivarluski Aseron and Alex Pigao were also present to give advice to the finalists.

The black-and-white themed photoshoot was the buzz during that day, and each finalist had the chance to express his or her own individuality. This was one of the few instances that the finalists were given a chance to build camaraderie amidst the tough competition and just have pure fun.

All guards were down as the finalists, with great enjoyment, posed and showed off their personal styles. They also received inspiring (and useful) tips from Aries, who recently won the first local edition of Project Runway, and Alex.

Of course, the day did not end without getting to know the finalists and finding out how their YDC experience has been like so far.

Vanessa Ang, who attended the Parson’s School of Design in New York, said, “The YDC is a great opportunity to share ideas and, of course, meet new people. I’ve also learned design practices that are integral to making a truly great collection.”

Another finalist, Kathleen Conde, said she has “become more meticulous with her designs and executions. Being in the YDC has brought out the perfectionist in me.”

“The themes presented in this competition are of international level,” yet another finalist, Earl Gariando, shared. “There’s a call to create something unconventional yet wearable. Therein lies one of the challenges.”

Here some exclusive behind-the-scenes during the photoshoot.
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Guess who was in the inbox of MEGA Magazine?
THE Scott Schuman!

The creator of popular fashion blog The Sartorialist of Conde Nast’s style.com, Schuman recently sent an email to MEGA Magazine editor in chief Carla Sibal to express his admiration to the magazine, which he saw from a Filipino colleague in New York. The issue that reached Schuman’s hands was said to be the September 2008 edition, which featured actress Anne Curtis on the cover.

“It was the first time I’ve seen a magazine from Asia that’s really worth the read! I’m very impressed with your articles and features as well as the styling for the shoots,” wrote Schuman.

MEGA, to say the least, is overwhelmed with Schuman’s wonderful words. Coming from a respected blogger who’s known and widely-read by the style-mavens and the upper echelon of the fashion industry in the city of Big Apple and around the globe, the MEGA editorial team. together with the top executives of MEGA Publishing Group, is simply flattered.

“It is an honor to receive an email from Scott Schuman. We will always be inspired to offer our readers the best and the latest— as we remain passionate and dedicated to the company’s vision of being the standard of Filipino media excellence,” enthused Sibal.

Schuman’s exposure to fashion is diverse—from being a director of men’s fashion at Bergdorf Goodman, to getting famous in the blogosphere for capturing “real people” on the streets donning striking ensembles, to covering runways during New York’s Fashion Week. Hand-picked by AskMen.com as one of the Top 49 Men of the Year in 2007, Schuman also landed a modeling stint for Gap in 2008 and was listed as one of Time Magazine’sTop 100 Design Influencers.

Catch an exclusive interview with Scott Schuman by MEGA editor in chief Carla Sibal. Soon to be printed in MEGA Magazine.

MEGA, a homegrown title, is a prestige publication of MEGA Publishing Group.

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Caption:
SCOTT SCHUMAN of The Sartorialist of Conde Nast’s style.com (photo courtesy of wikipedia.com)