There’s a lot of people asked me who are my fashion idols in terms of style and glamour? Though I’m not a fashionista but I admired a lot of my friends such as fashion bloggers Sai Sayson Montes , Earth Rullan, Melai Entuna, haute couture Rollie Graza (whom I’ve known since grade school because he was the one who made our gowns) and my high school friend Maco Custodio.
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| Maco Custodio (Photo credit: stylebible.ph) |
I’ve known Maco since Grade 6, and he became my classmate from 2nd year til 4th year in high school. What I like about Maco is his sense of humor and he’s wacky all the time whenever he chit-chatted with our group of friends.
After our high school graduation, I lost communication with him. Last year, I had a chance to reconnect with him via social networking site, Facebook.
Little did know that he is now a well-known leather designer, still he kept his feet on the ground. He started his career after he took up Fine Arts at University of Sto. Tomas.
He began designing leather footwear in 2008. After studying at the Philippine Footwear Academy, his work immediately caught the attention the fashion industry as he proposed unconventional approaches in material selection and shapes.
Trivia: One of his shoe creations was featured in ABS-CBN’s teleserye, “Ina, Anak, Kapatid”.
He recently showcased his creations at Style Manila: A Fashion Accessories Exhibition. It was held at Podium Mall last June 7-13.
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| His creations at Style Manila: A Fashion Accessories Exhibition last June 7-13, 2013 at Podium Mall . |
I sent him some questions via email and here’s what Maco said about fashion and as a leather designer.
EYH: Looking back when we were in high school, I followed you as the artistic one in the group. Have you thought of being a leather designer?
MC: Artistic really? haha I didn’t bullied you or anything right? It’s ANDI and NIKKI (our classmates) lang! haha.. Honestly, I never imagine myself on TV or magazines. I think you need 90% hard work and 10% luck on every phase in your life.
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| Kathryn Bernardo wore Maco Leather Concepts’ leather bowtie. It was featured at Inside Showbiz’ January 2013 issue. |
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| Azkals’ Anton del Rosario wore Maco Leather Concepts’ one piece detachable leather sleeves. It was featured at Garage Magazine’s June 2013 issue. |
EYH: How did you get into the fashion industry?
MC: Collaboration is the key. I started when I collaborated with fellow designer JC Buendia. When I did the shoes in his fashion watch collection last March 2008.
EYH: What made you inspired to create awesome shoes and leather apparels?
MC: You need people that are artistic and passionate in what they do, that makes you create awesome things (shoes or anything)
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| Maco’s creation in 2008: Donut shoes (Photo credit: Virtual Museum) |
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| His glam creation of leather collar. Sleek! |
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| Plastic clutch, anyone? This clutch is one of my favorite creation of Maco. Love it! |
EYH: Your biggest achievement so far as a leather designer?
MC: Being featured on a book printed in New York called “SHOEGASM” together with the shoe gods themselves!
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Shoegasm: An Explosion of Cutting Edge Shoe Design |
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| Photo credit: Maco’s Instagram account |
EYH: What are your favorite designs that you created?
MC: All of them are special to me. Each has a unique appeal and personality.
EYH: Who do you want to model your glam creations?
MC: No one in particular.
EYH: Piece of advice for those who want to be an aspirant leather designer like you?
MC: Grabbed all the opportunities when your still starting it will teach you to be wiser in the future, accept all the failures you’ll get, it will make you rough and tough. And always believe in yourself and it will make your mind and heart strong.
Check out Maco’s fab creations on Facebook.
