Fashion designer Oscar James on how love and passion keep him going

Of the many dresses Oscar James Arances has designed, his favorite is easy to spot, displayed at his new boutique on Aboitiz Street, Cebu City: the 'Juliana,' a bridal gown distinguished by its precise vertical lines of hand-sewn pearls that gives its wearer an hourglass figure.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

Cebuana singer Morisette, one of Oscar James' frequent clients, wore this black gown at the Raven Heyres concert last May. Cebuana beauty queen Steffi Aberasturi-Arcenas wears the "Juliana," a bridal gown that Oscar James considers his favorite design, proudly displayed at his boutique on Abolitz Street, Cebu City.

"I am a firm believer in clean lines because they make a huge difference," Arances told The FREEMAN about the gown, modeled by his muse, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 second runner-up Steffi Aberasturi-Arcenas. “The appearance gives it a tighter hold and a longer torso support. It speaks so much about me as a fashion designer.”

Bridal wear is currently the biggest driver of his fashion enterprise. While his team offers ready-to-wear gowns, most clients still prefer customized pieces.

"The bride usually has the vision, and they come to the designer for guidance. Eighty percent of the design is from them, and the rest is in the execution of the designer," he explained. "These days, they typically prefer a minimal look where it's easily detachable with a corset-like cut - almost like a Victorian-style dress but still Filipino-inspired."

Arances has dressed Cebuana beauty queens like Gazini Ganados and Beatrice Gomez, and now runs his own boutique bearing his name. Having achieved what many designers hope for at his young age of 28, his ultimate dream now is to live a "happier life of contentment."

"It feels surreal and overwhelming that I have reached this point. There were times I always asked myself if I would have this life, and now I do. I am treasuring the life I envisioned. It's now more about maintaining it, and I am able to provide for my clients, the people who work with me, and my family," he said.