Having been stuck in the four corners of our homes, the past year has been especially challenging for people in the creative industry. But the new normal has also allowed us to innovate, and a recent campaign between some of Cebu’s creatives has been a reminder of how powerful collaboration can be.

Ia Coca‘s vaccine-ready fashion campaign is not only a show of creativity, but it also serves as a movement to raise awareness.

Vaccines have been slowly rolled out but some are still hesitant to get the shot. The idea of vaccine-ready fashion came to life with the aim to raise awareness about the ongoing vaccinations, that it’s okay to get vaccinated, and to give inspiration on efficient and comfortable outfits they can wear when they get the shot.

Ia Coca, an award-winning Cebuano fashion designer, recently launched his Cold Shoulder Collection, with pieces that have strategic cut-outs and off-the-shoulder neckline designs. He was inspired by a viral photo of a doctor mistaken for Vice-President Leni Robredo. The doctor was wearing what she dubbed a bakuna blouse.

That was the lightbulb moment for Ia. “I think wearing the bakuna blouse was really smart and fun. That moment reminded me that fashion is functional and practical,” he shared. “With band-aids becoming this season’s biggest accessory —as seen on post-vaccination selfies — I patterned my textile design to checkered band-aids I used to wear.”

I remember Ia sent me a message about his idea and how I was immediately amazed by it. Without hesitation, I said, “let’s do it!”. 

I myself missed modeling. As a model, I was likewise affected by the pandemic. There were no fashion shows and photoshoots anymore. I had to find a way to still bring my passion for the art of modeling alive. That gave birth to the #StyleSeries on my YouTube channel to express my personal style and give way to fashion designers or stylists who would be open to collaborate so I can showcase their work. That’s how I met Ia Coca. 

After some initial talks, Ia gathered creatives through a group chat to collaborate in bringing the idea to life. Ia added, “Everything is planned out remotely. Communication is done virtually. I tried my best to be as clear with the vision for the editorial shoot so everyone is on the same page during the execution.”

Besides Ia and myself, the team was composed of Johnlery Dote who was in charge of the set and wardrobe styling, makeup artist Oriel Carbonilla, and hairstylist Waki Chua. The photo and video team are comprised of Mikael Esquierda, JV Tagaan, and Alecs Getigan from worksbehindkrafts.

The creatives also share the same level of appreciation for Ia Coca’s new collection. Oriel, a self-taught makeup artist, expressed the collaboration went smoothly because the people behind this were really easy and fun to work with. As for the collection itself, he describes it as wearable, chic and playful. “I really love the vibrant colors and the youthful vibe.”

The photographer, Mikael, also expressed his appreciation, “I really loved how smart and creative the idea was. It also highlighted the essence of being a sassy but simple modern Filipina. I look forward as well to a collection like this for men!”

We adapt to change and we find opportunities in challenges. 

“As a designer in this pandemic-era, I was forced to innovate and keep an open mind to projects I usually don’t take,” Ia shared. “There are also few adjustments that needed to be done with working with my team. Even though there are challenges making this collaboration come alive, we as creative people are always the first to adapt. And I think that is how we were able to pull it off.

Oriel added, “Since the pandemic started, all my makeup gigs were canceled. I’ve had plenty of time to create makeup looks on myself and post it on social media for my portfolio. I also participated in some online makeup contests and met some amazing artists which helped me enhance my skills as an artist.”

worksbehindkrafts was also born out of the pandemic. They are a branch of FilMug Productions, which offers photography and videography for weddings and events. With canceled events and the growing need for online content, the team took the opportunity and brought worksbehindcrafts to life.

In spite of the difficulties, creatives are still optimistic in facing challenges. Mikael expressed, “Being a photographer during these hard times has made me a better person. The pandemic has taught me to be brave and to take a leap of faith, that no matter the risk, we have to keep moving forward. Though the roads are not clear, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The collaboration was refreshing for everyone involved. It was nice to see everyone collaborating for one vision — to put the vaccine-ready fashion out there and to raise awareness.

It was a powerful sight to me. At that moment, I appreciated each person’s talent and the hard work they put into their craft. It is an honor to be part of this cause and most definitely an honor to work with each creative in this project. 

To fellow creatives, you may not know it, but here’s a reminder or affirmation. You and what you do altogether is powerful. Keep going. 

Pre-order Ia Coca’s Cold Shoulder collection here.

Location: @the5thhomestudio