MY FIERCE EXPERIENCE: 'THE LOREN MONARES INTERVIEW'

As part of my Internship with Erzullie, I was asked to do an Interview with the Erzullie Icons. I was excited to finally have a chat with them because last time I saw the models was during the Editorial photo shoot for the Corporate and Resort collection and we were all super busy that day.

Ms. Aries told me brief backgrounds about them that helped me build my questions for the interview. It was really supposed to be a face-to-face interview but with the lack of time, I resorted to having an online interview with them.

I was also tasked to do a Photo shoot with them (Yey! Photoshoot!!) to go with the interview.
NO! handling a Photo shoot all by myself was the hardest thing (so far) that I had to do during this internship!

It was so hard to coordinate everybody’s schedules so that we only had to do 1 shooting day. I had to coordinate with the models, the photographer and a find a location to do the shoot and agree on 1 day to do the shoot; but I knew it was impossible. So now, I have to do 2 photo shoot days.

I thought of having the first shoot during the holy week so that some of the models don’t have work to go to. I also thought of having the shoot around Eastwood because not only was it accessible to all of us but also, the overall look of the photo shoot was somehow like model on-the-go at the streets of New York.

For the first day of the shoot, the models that were available that day were Ms. Kat Catapia and Ms. Loren Monares. I scheduled them at different times so that we only shoot one model at a time and I don’t want the other model to wait for her turn.

The day before the shoot, I emailed ms. Kat and Ms. Loren to remind them about our shoot. It was sad that Ms. Kat couldn’t make it because she had a car accident (but don’t worry! She’s fine!) Sayang, It would have been super fun to shoot the both of them.

On the day of the shoot, I arrived with the photographer, my good friend Marjorie Calasin, by 10:30 to do test shots and to find a good spot before the models arrived by 12. The sun was unbearable so instead of doing test shots, we ended up chilling in J.Co donuts.

By 12, Ms. Loren Monares arrived. All I can say was that she looked absolutely stunning (as you can see in the photos). I had a blast doing the shoot with her and most of her photos were very candid because we kept on laughing during the shoot. It was so much fun shooting her.

The only problem I had during the shoot was finding a place for Ms. Loren to do change outfits. I’ll keep in mind, next time, to find a spot in Starbucks (sorry, desperate times call for desperate measures)where the models, not only comfortably wait but also use the comfort room to change).

One word to end this all --- "whew!"

xoxo

Timmy

MY FIERCE EXPERIENCE: ERZULLIE FIRST LOOK RESORT 2013

Hey Erzulliestas!

I’m sorry I haven’t been posting recently, I’ve been busy with other things like the Erzullie Icon Interview and preparing for this month’s editorial photoshoot. But now, I’m back to share with you how my internship with Erzullie is going so far.

Recently, I was part of the first look of the Resort collection held last April 20 at the Cafeccino function room in Eastwood. Ms. Aries and Ms.Berna showcased the latest Resort collection. They also announced the latest news about the brand and other events to watch out for. (#Excited)

When it was time to start the presentation, I can feel the excitement in the room that the Erzullietas were feeling; excited to get their hands on the latest collection!

I learned a lot from Ms. Aries’ presentation like the difference of collections like how’s haute couture different from couture, demi couture and RTW.

 If I remember correctly, difference between them is that Haute couture is the highest level when it comes to clothing; you should have your own sewing empire or manufacturing house and this level is earned and it’s not easy to earn such a title. The garments should have the highest quality and goes through different quality control checks before it is sold to the market.

Couture on the other hand is somehow similar to haute couture but it’s a level lower. Almost the same quality of embroidery and sewing done to the garment, it is both hand and machine sewn, but haven’t earned the name or title yet.

Demi-couture is also both hand and machine sewn but the number of “copies” or garments sold is not as limited compared to Haute couture and couture.

RTW or Ready to wear is the one that is mass produced, machine made (but minimal parts of it are/can be handmade) and the cheapest among the three.

After Ms. Aries’ presentation, I was really inspired to start my thesis. Well, for those who don’t know yet, I want to take up plus size fashion for my thesis subject that’s why I applied for this internship.

When it was time for shopping, the latest collection sold like hotcakes! Because the sizes were only limited, some of the garments became sold out on the first day of sale! Grabe!

So now you know ladies, See you on the next first look event!

X,

Timmy

MY FIERCE EXPERIENCE: THE PHOTO SHOOT

Do what you love and love what you do. (is there even such a saying?)

Ms. Aries keeps on asking me every time I’m done with doing something for Erzullie, “Timmy, how’s your experience so far?” Even though I’m so tired na; I always answer her with the same reply, “Im fine Ms.Aries, I’m having fun!”.

Really, I am truly and sincerely having fun with what I do; I looove what I do! I know that she’s just checking if I’m still doing fine with the tasks, but there’s really nothing else I can say about it.(parang love ba, you just can’t describe it. Haha!) Maybe next time Ms. Aries asks me, I’ll add the words funtabulous or amazeballs to better express how I feel. =)))

I truly didn’t feel that I was working 7 hours straight during the photo shoot for the Corporate and Resort collection. I just felt super exhausted when I got home. (And really craving for a diet coke float) =)

During the photoshoot, I got to fulfil my life-long dream to be a Stylist. Yey!

I got to style the models by assisting them through the fitting and made sure they looked camera ready. I felt like I was styling my life size FULL-FIGURED dolls. To be honest, I don’t know anything about styling. Are there even any rules when it comes to style?

I just used some techniques that I learned from Art school like Balance, symmetry and opposition and made sure that the right accessories made the look complete; Simple!

So.. What I learned from this experience:

First, I learned that desperate times call for desperate measures; (learned this in a very pricey way) having the need to check-in in a hotel just to do hair and make-up. To make the long story, short; there was an issue with the general schedule so we had to do our hair and makeup somewhere else.

Second, It’s more fun to be the model rather than be the ones behind the camera! I realized that, even though it’s very hard to model (I’ve actually seen women starve themselves just to get a job). The feeling in front of the camera is truly very surreal. I’ll admit it, naingit ako sa kanila. Maybe next time I’ll apply as a model after this internship. Ha!

Lastly, (I didn’t learn 3 things lang ha! I just think the other things are more situational than the others and you really have to experience it for yourself talaga). I’ll repeat what I said earlier, Do what you love and love what you do. Whatever happens, don’t let anything/anyone stop you from doing what you love. If you really have the “passion for fashion”.. GORA!

See you on the runways.

X,

Timmy

P.S. Here are more BTS photos =)

MY FIERCE EXPERIENCE: SUPERSALE BAZAAR MARCH 2013

As part of being Erzullie’s Fashion Intern was to be one of the Personal Shoppers in the Super Sale bazaar, held last March 1-3 at the World Trade Center.

I got to be part of the ingress and the egress of which, by the way, is no stroll in the park. To those who are a regular visitor of the Supersale bazaar, you know how cold it gets inside the bazaar. But I’ll tell you, being part of the ingress is nowhere near cold! I should have listened to Ms. Berna and worn something comfortable. Ingress & Egress=Free workout!! (pambawi sa pinagkakain sa bazaar. Haha!)

I wasn’t able to join Ms. Berna and Ms. Marian on the first day of the bazaar because I was  preparing for our finals, so for those Erzulliestas that I didn’t get to meet..Sayang! maybe we’ll meet some other time- Yes?

On the next day of the bazaar, I joined Ms. Berna and Ms. Apple. They taught me the basics about being a personal shopper and how to properly approach potential customers. (Yes, there is a proper way to do that).

When I was good to go, I was told to approach my very first customer. I was super nervous and my voice was really shaky, good thing she still understood what I was saying. I assisted her by assessing what she was wearing, her body type and for what occasion she was buying her. She kept on disapproving the ones I was trying to hand to her! (It was actually more of my fault because I didn’t asses her correctly) I felt fretful that she was going to leave; but, after numerous tries of attempting to style her, she finally gave in and tried one of our blouses from the 2013 Corporate collection.

As soon as she went out of the dressing room, the scoop neck blouse was perfect on her. She agreed to try on the next thing that I handed to her – The black blazer with blue detail, also from the same collection, both fitted perfectly. The highlight of my day is when She agreed to buy both! I don’t know how to describe how I felt that time (parang na in-love ba ), It just felt really amazing..

On the last day of the bazaar Ms. Aries, Ms. Berna and I were the ones in the booth. Ms.Aries and I were the Personal Shoppers for the day. They taught me more on how to do my job and how to assist the customers. I got to personally meet more Erzulliestas and models that visited our booth. Thank you! Seeing you guys really inspired me to better pursue what I’m doing. I’m very thankful for all feedback you guys have given me. I hope to see you guys again really soon.

X,

Timmy

PLUS SIZE FASHION: DAY 3 OF ERZULLIE SUPERSALE (MARCH 2013)

We would like to thank all of the Erzulliestas that went yesterday to either shop or chat at the Erzullie booth in the Supersale Bazaar, World Trade Center (Hall D), Pasay City. You girls rock and absolutely shopped like the alpha females that you are! Which we totally love!

Blazers and tops of the Corporate 2013 collection went flying off the rack yesterday and we are almost sold out with some of the sizes of the designs. We are very grateful. Super thank you!

Today is the last day of the Erzullie Corporate 2013 collection and of course, on duty, is our fierce plus size fashion intern, Timmy Mariano!

We are very happy to serve all of you girls today (since Day 1). We are loving it!

See you there, Erzulliestas!

Cheers!

Aries

PLUS SIZE FASHION: DAY 2 OF ERZULLIE IN SUPERSALE BAZAAR MARCH 2013

It's Day 2 of the Erzullie Corporate 2013 launching at the Supersale Bazaar, World Trade Center (Hall D), Pasay City (March 1-3, 2013; 10am-9pm). We are very excited to see you girls again today!

On duty is our fabulous personal shopper, Apple Pueblo (see photo above), our fashion intern, Timmy Mariano (See photo below) and Erzullie designer and co-owner, Berna Cuevas.

Grab the latest blazers, tops and bottoms of the Corporate 2013 collection while you still can Erzulliestas!

Cheers!

Aries

PLUS SIZE FASHION: DAY 1 ERZULLIE SUPERSALE MARCH 2013 BAZAAR

We would like to thank all of the Erzulliestas that went to the first day of the Erzullie Corporate 2013 collection launching at the Supersale Bazaar, World Trade Center (Hall D), Pasay City (March 1-3, 2013; 10am-9pm)

You girls shopped like a boss and we are very happy that you girls absolutely love our new blazers! You girls also raved about our new tummy control square pants. (Photos to come soon!)

See you girls tomorrow! We are really excited to serve all of you today! Personal Shopper, Apple Pueblo, and fashion intern, Timmy Mariano, will be the one taking care of your fierce fashion needs. Erzullie designer and co-owner, Berna Cuevas, will be there too.

Cheers!

Aries

PLUS SIZE FASHION: ERZULLIE IN SUPERSALE MARCH 2013 STARTS TOMORROW!

Finally!

The coveted Erzullie Corporate 2013 collection will finally be launched at the Supersale Bazaar, Hall D, World Trade Center, Pasay City on March 1-3, 2013 (10am-9pm). Tomorrow is the big day!

Enjoy fantastic new blazers, tops and bottoms! We hope you like the new "feel" of our fashion line. (A little teaser!)

Furthermore, your favorite personal shopper, Apple Pueblo, will be there on MARCH 2, 2013, Saturday. Fashion intern, Timmy Mariano, will be there too from March 2-3, 2013 (Saturday and Sunday), while plus size model and Erzullie Icon, Marian Beltran, will be there to be a personal shopper from March 1-3, 2013 (Friday to Sunday).

For those who are also looking forward to discuss some designs that you would like to see on our next collections, me and Berna will also be there ready for a nice chat.

More to come as the days progress!

Cheers!

Aries

PLUS SIZE FASHION: PERSONAL SHOPPER TIMMY MARIANO (SUPERSALE MARCH 2013)

Who will be at the Supersale Bazaar? Erzullie: Fierce Fashion for Plus Size Ladies Intern, Timmy Mariano, of course! She will be helping Erzulliestas find the fiercest outfits they need at the Corporate 2013 launching on March1-3, 2013 (10am-9pm) at the Supersale Bazaar, (HALL D) World Trade Center, Pasay City.

See you girls there! P.S. Her latest blog post for "My Fierce Experience" was such a hit to you girls! Thank you! Read the latest here!

Cheers!

Aries

MY FIERCE EXPERIENCE: THE ERZULLIE "SECRET SALE"

Hi Erzulliestas!

I’m Timmy Mariano. I am currently a 3rd year advertising student who wishes to pursue a career in the Plus-size fashion industry, one of the reasons why I took the opportunity to be Erzullie's Fashion Intern this summer! It is a prerequisite for us, to undergo 160 hours of Practicum with any approved company which that would helpful in our upcoming Thesis class.

The market for Plus-size women is only starting to grow and being a Plus size woman, trying to enter the fashion industry, makes it so much harder for me to "break in", so I need to know more about my future market to better understand this industry.

“My Fierce Experience” is about my step by step entry while trying to make it in this industry, from hour one to hour 160. I created this column to share my experiences to all Erzulliestas who also wish to enter the fashion industry and also (maybe) inspire other plus-size ladies to enter the same industry; May it be modeling, fashion designing or fashion merchandising.

SECRET SALE: MY FIRST ASSIGNMENT

My first duty as a fashion intern for Erzullie is being a receptionist at the SECRET SALE last February 16, 2013 at the Caffeccino Function Room in Eastwood City.

I know what most of you are thinking... RECEPTIONIST?! How’s that relevant to the fashion industry?

Well it may not sound as glamorous as the other jobs out there, but at least I got to start somewhere!
To tell you the truth, being a Receptionist is not that bad (but not in a way that I’m gonna change my career! Heck no, I’m in for the long run!). I actually enjoyed my job as a receptionist. I got to meet some really gorgeous plus size ladies and models that further inspired me to pursue this career. I also had the chance to talk to Ms. Aries and Ms. Berna who shared with me some of their past experiences in this Industry. The only down part is that I really didn’t see what was happening during the actual sale.

After this, I’m very much looking forward to my “next steps” in this industry; all I can say is.. BRING IT ON!

By the way, for those Erzulliestas who missed the Secret Sale event, Here’s what you missed.

10 percent off form the Holiday 2012 collection

50 percent off from Corporate and Resort 2012 collection

70 percent of on all collections from 2011 to 2010! And the biggest surprise of them all…

The CORPORATE 2013 collection was secretly released before it was publicly launched on March 1-3 at the Super Sale Bazaar at the World Trade Center.

Until the next blog post!

Timmy

MY FIERCE EXPERIENCE: ERZULLIE'S FASHION INTERN COLUMN

PHOTO BY TIMMY MARIANO

Speaking about the power of changing the world, here is one woman who is set to do so ---Timmy Mariano, our plus size fashion intern. Out of 15 applicants from various schools in the Metro, we chose her because of her sincere love for plus size fashion. We also heard that she's planning to delve in the world of fashion and we are definitely excited for that.

We decided to give her her own column here in our Erzullie blogs because we want to give you girls a more in depth view about our fashion line. Also, for those who are interested in having an internship with us, this may also be a nice preview of the things that you might do. We take our internships here seriously.

Anyway, her column will be up within the day and I hope that you girls love it!

You can also catch her in the Erzullie Corporate 2013 launching at the Supersale Bazaar, World Trade Center, Pasay City on March 1-3, 2013 (10am-9pm).

Cheers!

Aries