Meet fashion designer from the Philippines, Kaye Morales.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been a fashion designer in the industry for 8 years with a background in production and interior design. I enjoy constructing wearable androgynous avant-garde streetwear which is inspired by shapes, culture, nature, and animals. I also do weddings and proms too.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I live in BGC which is a financial and lifestyle district in Metro Manila. Here you can find a long list of things to do, from night clubs to obstacle course gyms. There are also a lot of murals you can see while walking around the city.

Here you can find a long list of things to do, from night clubs to obstacle course gyms.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Since the traffic can be very bad in BGC, I often walk around while absorbing the vibe of the city. Being in the city nurtures my passion for art and fashion. It gives me inspiration to make trends for the people around me. I love my city but the traffic and pollution need to improve.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

vibrant, diverse, cultured

How did you start your career in art?

I enjoyed designing my own clothes growing up and even started a small business while still in school.

I enjoyed designing my own clothes growing up and even started a small business while still in school.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

My family saw this potential in me and fully supported me being a fashion designer ever since. They helped me put up my shop and supported the fashion shows I participated in nationally and internationally.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

To expand internationally, such as the ready to wear brand H&M, would be the ultimate goal.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I would want to collaborate with Jeremy Scott for his pop art perspective and definitely Alexander McQueen if he was still alive. I draw a lot of inspiration from the pieces he creates. To me, they are not only a designer but a true artist.

I would want to collaborate with Jeremy Scott for his pop art perspective and definitely Alexander McQueen if he was still alive.

How would you describe the women around you?

The women in my community are very supportive of my work.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

My local female creative would be Amina Aranaz because she keeps using local materials from the Philippines. I believe that her work should be exported more since the Philippines has an abundance of local resources.

I make a lot of men’s pieces and there are not a lot of female designers who do that.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

No. But I’d love to be an iconic fashion designer nationally and internationally.

Photos courtesy of Kaye Morales.