Pinoy pride never ends. A Filipino once again shines on the global stage of fashion — this time it in the City of Lights — Paris. John Herrera made his debut this season in the recent Paris Fashion Week with his haute couture ‘Femme A La Mode’ at the city’s historic Salle De Wagram. The designer says with excitement, “My Haute Couture S/S25 collection, ‘femme à la mode’ is my first to show at Paris Fashion Week. It’s an homage to fashionable women in history. I had such a great time developing this collection, that I am sure my future work will follow this narrative.”

NEW NOW NEXT was able to get hold of John Herrera and made a quick update interview on this exciting stage and event in his life.

How did the collections come about?

John Herrera (JH): The opportunity to create a collection for Paris began after I saw Jojie Lloren’s last collection. It inspired me as I have always been a fan of his mastery of the craft, not one to design for spectacle but to simply define his idea of luxury. Since I emigrated to London in 2020, I found my design sensibilities becoming more mature, less experimental. The pandemic shook my belief system to the core, suddenly I wanted to make pieces that will last, stand the test of time. I wanted to create for women who can wear and re-wear my designs, and quiet luxury slowly became an absolute.

How did Paris fashion week happen?

JH: I met the producer of this Paris Fashion Week presentation through Michael Cinco. They have been producing his runway shows in Paris for years, so I was confident to present with them. It’s a 10-looks collection , part of a group show of 10 designers (I don’t want to mention the producer as I paid to be a part of the show). I was sponsored by Skin Faciality, a Filipino-owned aesthetic clinic in London. The show would not be possible without the bayanihan of my Filipino friends coming together to help in any way they can.

What’s the inspiration for the collection?

JH: I have always been obsessed with historical documentaries, I can watch them for hours on end and get lost in the lives of women who have often misbehaved, broken the rules or lived beyond the limits society has placed upon them. I looked at paintings and images from museums, as a result I chose the most luxurious materials I have ever worked with: silk duchess satins, silk and cotton velvets, glass bugles and Swarovski crystals. The bridal gown in the finale had yards and yards of Piña Seda for a veil, showcasing the best from my home country (she looked like a Ben Cab painting I almost cried). My team and I have employed the best dressmaking techniques, making sure the pieces are worthy of the “haute couture” label. It’s not enough to look fashionable wearing the dress. She has to be comfortable in it, properly lined in charmeuse satin.

How long did it take to finish your collection? How many pieces did you make?

JH: It took us a total of 4 months to produce the collection in between clients. I re-opened my Manila studio January of last year and very thankful that most of our clients are bridal, giving us more time to squeeze in the collection which took hundreds of hours to make. I make all the patterns and draping in London, and my team makes them in Manila. I did a lot of sewing and beading too, in between classes at Fashion Technology Academy London where I teach Creative Pattern Cutting and Stitching.

Why not London since you’re based there – but instead PFW?

JH: I wanted to show at the centre of Haute Couture. I have presented six collections in London since 2015, most of them with Fashion Scout. I loved my time with them but I eventually felt like my clothes are not hip enough for London. London will always be a vibe. It’s always moving, its currents rough and unpredictable! But I want to be in calmer waters, make dressmaking a ritual. Achieve my highest creative possibility making dresses that are as timeless as the women who inspired them.

Do you miss Manila? Why?

JH: I miss Manila a LOT!!! I grew up there creatively. From being a YDG member, to meeting all the amazing creatives I’ve worked with. And of course the haute couture clients there are lovely, they became my friends and muses.

Do you have plan to come home? Why?

JH: I visit twice a year, but I dream of being able to show with the masters. I miss ALL OF IT. The industry, the friendships, the fabulous events!

What has London taught you so far in fashion? In life?

JH: It taught me how to be self-reliant. My first three years here I was sewing all my client orders on my own. Also humility, when you’re starting again, you have to prove yourself and keep your head down.

John Herrera’s career as a fashion designer continues to flourish in the international scene. His success and approach towards design is anchored through the beauty of creative freedom unbounded by any direction. Driven by excellence through hard work, modest ambition and mastery of talent, he is inspiration to many and definitely an outstanding talent our country is proud of.

Check out the full collection of ten gowns online at johnherrera.co.uk and via Instagram @johnherrera