EPSON x John Herrera: The AGILA Collection

I have seen his work a few years ago and it's been a while since I have seem him do a show in Manila. John Herrera has taken the world by storm by winning London Emerging Designer Awards back in 2015. He's known for his very detailed workmanship, drama, couture and travel inspired collections in the past and the award has paved the way and gave a lot of opportunities for the Filipino designer. 

He's gone to the limits, even the fine line of proper designed garments and textures which he finds interesting so he goes the mile to include it in his pieces. This time however, he worked with world renowned printer brand EPSON to create his new collection called AGILA (The Philippine Eagle), a mix of art and technology, a feat which he found very challenging. He's up for it though (judging from his reaction during the short interview in Shangri-la Plaza) and even though this process would mean printing his own fabrics, he trusted the people who made his vision into reality (graphic design and Photoshop included), and of course the lovely EPSON Sure Color F-series (which are dye sublimation digital textile printers) namely the Sure Color SC F9270 and the SC 6270.

Sure Color SC F9270 (top) and the SC 6270 (bottom)

These printers are designed for industrial level roll production. So imagine how you would be able to print your designs in fabric, the possibilities are endless! For designers, fashion enthusiasts and those who would like to have their original work make into an excellent outfit that your clients would be proud of to wear. This definitely will make prints that could get your images in the forefront of fashion, isn't that what people want in the first place?

I particularly like the hoodie coat that Mark McMahon wore during the press preview. It's edgy, the print was intricately detailed and quite uncommon. It's very neo-Japanese but still got that persona of the Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle done in feathers, actual bird images and colors in white shiny fabric. I also like the light quilting on some of the pieces (the jackets, the kimonos, don't get me started!), the bias cut skirts which he had later on in the show, the flowy printed scarf dress,  Oh and if you're already impressed with the output, this is actually the first time he's done this. That right there is pushing the envelope and the 30 piece collection done that night was equally stunning!

Here's photos from his IG account, credits to their house photographer:

I think the AGILA collection will also be shown in London a couple of weeks from now. Who would have known that a printer could do this right? I'm very impressed, just wished I brought my camera on the runway show though, perhaps next time! Thank you for the opportunity to cover your event EPSON Philippines! This is really unbelievable!

Photo credits: http://johnherreracouture.com/

For those who want to see the printers and more, check out https://www.epson.com.ph/. For John Herrera's work, take a look at his line over at http://johnherreracouture.com/.

KUMAGCOW

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How to Become A Good Barista

I've been loving Costa Coffee since they got their London-ish kind of brew here in the Philippines - and by far, my most favorite item on their menu is the Flat White. This doesn't come easy because aside from assuring the ingredients are at par with the world's best, it takes proper skill to whip up an ingenious cup of coffee. It takes years too to get to that level and perhaps sheer talent and I'm glad I've seen that first hand in their branches.

They also are holding competitions for their own baristas called Barista of the Year (BOY) which I covered too in the past and recently, our very own country representative Justin Dela Fuente bested countries from Southeast Asia and India. That says a lot about the quality that we're getting in Costa Coffee Philippines and he also shared a couple of things about how to get that perfect cup!

He's a skilled barista so he deems a couple of things to be the criteria one should have in order to achieve great coffee. 

PATIENCE - It takes time to be an expert. It takes tons of spilled coffee, burns in the machine and cups for willing test subjects if you want to concoct the perfect cup! All you need to do is practice and don't be disheartened if you fail at times, because we all have to begin somewhere right? 

STAY HUNGRY FOR KNOWLEDGE - Make sure you are always thirsty for knowledge. Learn from your mistakes, know the best practices from experts and apply it to your craft. Anything could be a learning opportunity. 

OVERFLOW WITH PASSION - There's nothing more miserable than a half hearted attempt on anything. Take that passion to heights and conquer your fears. Though I must say, always know when to edit. That is the key.

STAY FUN - A cup would be pleasing enough but make sure you still make it fancy. We all have that dream of the perfect cup and a little art never hurt anyone right? Take tons of unfamilliar flavors, introduce it to people and make it fun. There are ways to experiment and it doesn't have to be boring. Right?

SERVE YOUR BEST - Keeping the quality of your coffee and properly doing the process is the key. Make sure it's also the best cup you can make because people use hard earned money to purchase it. It's going to be a reason they'd come back. A good thing to do especially if you're building relationships and not just rapport. Who wouldn't want their perfect cup?

Those are just some of the nice things Justin shared about his goal of getting the championship this January in London. Make sure you support him by posting your Costa Coffee drinks online and use the hashtag #JustinForTheWin as he makes the country proud as he vies for Costa Coffee's Barista of the Year!

I'm posting one now! :) 

KUMAGCOW

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London Style Brew now in Manila: Costa Coffee

Great news for coffee lovers out there, there's a new brand in town and this really came in the right time when we're almost all bored about the usual coffee shop we see in major thoroughfares. London based Costa Coffee is now in the Philippines and they're gearing to put up more stores in the country soon.  Costa Coffee was founded in London by Bruno and Sergio Costa sparked by their love for premium quality coffee. They've got 40 years of experience to back that up and over 3,000 Costa stores around the world to prove it. Their goal is to be the worlds most loved coffee shop brand, a feat that they can well do in the next few years I bet.

The Interiors

The place has 2 floors and is pretty much reflected to be much like the streets of London inside complete with a red phone booth outside which you can take photos with. The interior's made of several brick walls, upholstered and regular seats that would gladly be reminiscent of an Austin Powers movie.

It's the London culture, the vibe, the colors that they would like you to see inside the store. There several corners in this place that I would have loved to reserve for myself when I get the chance to hang out in Eastwood, especially the window seats. Remember, the Brits are some of the worlds most demanding customers and if they want quality on their drinks or food, they need to get it and this is much of a standard thing in Costa Coffee shops I'm sure.