For fashion designer Francis Libiran, travel plays an essential role in his creative process. Photo by Jan Mayo
When traveling and exploring familiar and new places, the Filipino designer shares how globetrotting with Security Bank fuels his creativity
“I have always loved Brazil,” Francis Libiran gushes, his eyes beaming, when asked about a dream destination he recently crossed off his bucket list. In the past year, the fashion designer, along with his friends, found themselves strolling and sailing by the famed beaches of Rio de Janeiro and visiting sites such as Escadaria Selarón and Christ the Redeemer statue in Parque Nacional da Tijuca. It was a much-needed respite as he and his team prepared for another milestone in his life as a fashion designer.
Libiran, who recently celebrated his 25th year in the fashion industry with “Sterling” a star-studded event that showcased his “Phoenix Collection” attended by his long-time celebrity muses Kim Chiu, Kylie Verzosa, and Megan Young, has made travel an integral part of his creative process.
Libiran’s Instagram feed showcases a portfolio of his works worn by local and international clients and celebrities against a backdrop of red carpet events, European cities, and even majestic Asian mountains. He admits that it is through traveling that he finds his greatest source of inspiration. Dressing the likes of Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, drag queen Manila Luzon, actors Angela Bassett, Billy Porter, and Darren Criss, and supermodel-host Tyra Banks, Libiran understands the importance of discipline and constant creation as a designer.
“Being a fashion designer, you need to discipline yourself in how to create something in your head,” Libiran explains. “To create something based on how you see it without seeing it in front of you. That’s the magic of being a designer you’re constantly creating and creating and creating.” He adds that every sensorial aspect of his travels, from tasting food, smelling his surroundings, and meeting new people, factors heavily into his creative process.
“I get to detach myself from the world of fashion, especially when I go to new and familiar places. I love to explore. Even if it’s a city I’ve already been to, I [still] love to experience everything,” He continues, “It’s like my building block. Like that clean slate every time I go to a place. It’s very important for me to wake up in the morning and just have a feel of the place.”
Of jet setting for fabrics and exploring the world
One travel must-have that the Manila-born designer always has on his itinerary? Visiting fabric stores. “Whether it’s silk from India, beading from Turkey or a brocade fabric from Japan, I make sure to get something from a fabric store and source materials that are very unique that I can give to my clients.”
As a jet setter himself, meeting clients overseas and sourcing textiles wherever he goes, Security Bank’s World Mastercard has played a significant role in the fashion designer’s trips.
“My journey starts in airports,” Libiran shares. “One of the perks I like about the World [credit card], is having access to the VIP airport lounges. I get so excited because I get to eat good food.” The premium credit card lets the designer access not just local lounges (A Lounge, Marhaba Lounge, and PAGSS Lounge) but also 1,300 international lounges in 500 airports worldwide. It also allows him to enjoy dining offers from select exclusive airport merchants.
As soon as he books his tickets using the Security Bank World Mastercard, Francis also gets insurance and accident coverage throughout his travels. Libiran shares that there are times when he’d have luggage packed with clothing materials to the brim, on occasion even rolls of fabric.
Through every swipe of his World Mastercard, the Filipino fashion designer enjoys three times the reward points on all his purchases, with no category limits or conditions. Whether he’s online shopping or having dinner with friends, he can exchange these experiences for miles and even gift cards. “With Security Bank, purchasing all these things is so convenient for me as a designer.”
Apply for a Security Bank World Mastercard and enjoy exclusive deals and promos, as well as welcome gift opportunities upon approval. For more information, visit Security Bank’s official website. Follow them on Instagram.
Photography by Jan Mayo, styling by Jason Mago of Gee Jocson Studio, hair and makeup by Guilly Valenzuela, art direction by France Ramos and Christina Zabat, produced by Ian Urmaza, photographer’s assistants: Myc Priestley and Pablo Carubanga, hair and makeup Artist’s Assistant: Nathalie Guevara, written by Christina Zabat
