Fusion in Form: How a First-Year Fashion Student from Samar is Redefining Wearable Design
Laurence Obona may be just 20 years old and a first-year fashion design student, but he’s already proving that creativity knows no limits, and certainly no age. A STEM senior high school graduate torn between architecture and fashion, Laurence chose the path that let him express his deepest love for art. Today, that decision is paying off in bold, brilliant ways.
Despite only beginning to sew in August 2024, Laurence has dived headfirst into the world of fashion. From releasing small collections to working backstage as a dresser in fashion shows, he's constantly chasing opportunities that will stretch and sharpen his skills. His Instagram (@its.m3.rence) serves as a digital portfolio, reflecting his hands-on evolution as a young designer.
In just his third month of formal fashion education, he bagged 2nd place in a grueling 12-hour design challenge, proof that he's not just passionate but also prepared to perform under pressure.
His latest work, the VerteXile BODYGEAR Schoolbag, is a testament to this drive. Created for a PRINDES x Textile Science class, the piece draws inspiration from his roots in Samar, traditional banig weaving, and his fascination with anatomical structure and tactical utility. By weaving together the textures of banig, the silhouette of the human spine, and the form of military-style gear, Laurence transformed a simple schoolbag into a statement of identity, function, and design innovation.
The bag’s construction showcases meticulous craftsmanship and conceptual depth. It features water-repellent microfiber, structured pelon, and webbed straps arranged like rib cages. More than just an aesthetic choice, each strap, buckle, and layer was carefully selected to fuse beauty with purpose. Laurence’s approach, blending traditional Filipino craftsmanship with modern materials and forms, signals a maturity that goes far beyond his freshman status.
For Laurence, VerteXile BODYGEAR isn’t just a project; it’s a wearable vision of heritage, structure, and purpose. It’s a bold step toward a future where design isn’t limited by norms, and where fashion becomes a conversation between culture and innovation. Keep an eye on this rising creative, he’s just getting started.
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