The Island is Lemuel Rosos’ Muse

With a background deeply rooted in the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage of his hometown, Lemuel Rosos makes waves with his island-inspired creations.

Growing up on Bantayan Island, known for its pristine white sand beaches and azure waters, Cebuano fashion designer Lemuel Rosos was surrounded by natural beauty and vibrant colors. This environment significantly influenced his design philosophy: the island’s vibrant hues, the flow of the waves, and the rhythm of island life are all elements that Rosos infuses into his creations.

His collections often feature bright, bold colors reminiscent of the island’s sunsets and underwater coral gardens. The use of high-end chiffon and gaze faconne materials allows his garments to flow gracefully, mimicking the gentle movement of the sea breeze. Rosos says the focus on movement in his shows is intentional. “Backstage, I direct the models,” he explains. “Whenever we have fittings, I often have last-minute instructions for them. I focus on wearability and comfortability [which is why I direct their movements.”]

Photo by Larlo Ray

In Rosos’s collection “Hues,” he aims to capture the essence of island life. Inspired by the vivid colors of Bantayan’s coral reefs, the collection features a spectrum of bright, lively shades. “Since I’m from the island, [the collection] is inspired from colorful corals. That’s the island vibes.” The designs are characterized by their fluidity and lightness, with each garment reflecting the beauty of underwater seascapes.

Rosos’s journey into fashion began serendipitously while he was directing events and pageants. “Fashion is my second love. My first love was actually dance, syempre, nag champion pa tayo sa Sinulog.” In 2019, Rosos choreographed the contingent from the municipality of Consolacion, Tribu Malipayon, for the Free Interpretation category which won the biggest awards in Cebu’s Sinulog Festival.

Photo by Larlo Ray

Photo by Larlo Ray

So how does a choreographer find himself creating elaborate fashion collections? Initially pursuing a career in medicine, he found himself designing clothes for friends and acquaintances, igniting his passion for fashion design. “When I went back home to my island province, I opened up a wedding shop. When my customers, who were all my friends and relatives would ask how much I was charging, I would say, ‘okay lang, wala lang.’ (It’s okay, I’m not charging.”) His early works were crafted for personal enjoyment, often using leftover fabrics and experimenting with different styles.

“I love making dresses, especially if the wearer is very confident about themselves,” Rosos explains of his foray into the industry. “So every piece shares the story, the story about [the wearers] and their background.”

Photo by Larlo Ray

Photo by Larlo Ray

One of the hallmarks of Rosos’ designs is his innovative use of deadstock fabric. “When I saw this fabric, I said ‘Oh my God, this is perfect,'” he says. “It was in a bodega, and you can buy the fabric per yard there. But I just went ahead and bought the whole thing.” He then used the fabric to create his collection. By repurposing excess materials, he creates unique pieces that are not only sustainable but also exclusive. Using deadstock fabric allows Rosos to be creative and environmentally conscious, making each piece one-of-a-kind.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Rosos has continued to thrive, adapting his business model to meet the changing demands of the fashion industry. His fashion atelier in Cebu City remains a personal hub of creativity, where he continues to innovate and push the boundaries of his design journey.

Photo by Larlo Ray

Looking ahead, Rosos remains committed to exploring more inspirations and materials, as he continues his goal of telling stories of island life and natural beauty through fashion. “I don’t have a formal background in design,” the designer admits. “But I’m a risk-taker.”

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