David Tupaz, Classic Elegance

Editorial Photographer @Tolgakatas

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.” – Friedrich Nietzche

With fashion inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Era, David Tupaz’s designs capture the period’s essence of glamour, and his effortless sophistication infuses them with a timeless quality.

Designer David Tupaz took his experience of creating amazing dresses for Hollywood’s elite like Julia Roberts, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson and Kris Jenner to help him launch his new fashion line. David premiered his new collection at Style Fashion Week – Palm Springs, to rave reviews. I personally enjoy his use of classic silhouettes and patterns infused with a vintage black and white striped theme favored by Jackie O during her early New York days.

David Tupaz, Classic Elegance

Justin Howard – Why fashion? What appeals to you about it?

David Tupaz – Fashion is like Art, is like Music… It dignifies humanity. I have always been supportive of fashion in every genre… Fashion for me is like joining the church! So, wherever Fashion takes me becomes my next parish. It appeals to me in the sense that the capacity for creativity is endless. Fashion is the only industry that changes every season. Its turnover is so fast that designers are always engaged in creating something new every 6 months. Creativity is a gift from the Universe and blessed are those who have it. As it is not available to everyone. So it must be shared and used… as artists and designers are just instruments that the universe uses to make life better with meaning, and MORE beautiful!

Justin Howard – What is the message of your new collection?

David Tupaz – My collections always bring in the message of Classic, timeless, style. I always put a touch of “old Hollywood” in my designs… My muse has always been Audrey Hepburn. So when I start designing a collection I ask myself, “Will Audrey wear this?” I believe that those Old Hollywood days of Audrey, Grace Kelly, Lauren Bacall etc… Were the epitome of feminism! Women were elegant, classy, respected, adored… There is that “air” of “dignified grace” about them that we don’t see today. You don’t see a bad picture of Audrey, Grace or the others… They were always captured at their best.

Justin Howard – What look do you love to recommend from this new line?

David Tupaz – Black and white has always been the color palette that I use in every collection as it is timeless. Spring, Summer, Fall ,Winter… I always have that color duo! I blend a few colors to make it interesting. My collection has a story. I am sure you notice that. I design the complete look of the ‘David Tupaz’ woman…From the hats to the glasses, accessories, etc… As that is how I see my woman dressed for the season…. For me, my collection is a whole production number, not just a piece there or here… It is the TOTAL LOOK.

Justin Howard – What other looks do you love?

David Tupaz – Well, I did present a few solid colors for the season. The opening number was the “Windsor blue” dress/suit. This color was popularized by the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson in the 30’s. As well as an all pink dress with ribbonette floral appliqués which is very Princess Kate, everyone who sees it tells me.

Justin Howard – Can you describe for me your philosophy about the art of fashion?

David Tupaz – Well, Fashion for me is applied art! But today its influence is becoming so popular that Museums around the world use fashion as part of their exhibitions… Other than painting, sculpture, etc…. So it is becoming art in itself. We are the only living creature in the entire universe that has the ability to beautify ourselves! We believe in and pursue beauty! That beauty is the ultimate goal as it projects eternity, almost divine in nature…. I believe that beauty is God made real…. The art of fashion is the beauty it give us… It enhances our humanity… looking good makes us feel good… as well as gets us noticed and singled out to get better seats in fabulous restaurants… LOL…. Humans are visual creatures… We respond based on what we see…. and WHO doesn’t respond to beauty? Even the blind know what beauty is by their touch.

Justin Howard – How do you intend people to feel when wearing your pieces?

David Tupaz – An outfit is like an armor! It does give others a visual idea of who you are. It commands respect…love…adoration… My clients always tell me that when they wear my clothes they become more confident about themselves… They feel beautiful inside and out, it makes them feel important and wearing David Tupaz makes them “matter!”

Justin Howard – Tell me about your first design. What were your inspirations?

David Tupaz – Well, I was 7 years old when I saw the movie “My Fair Lady” in which Audrey Hepburn played Eliza Doolittle. There was a scene in the movie that they were getting ready to attend the “Embassy Ball”… When she emerged on the stairs and slowly stepped down the staircase in that beautiful white beaded and lace dress with long gloves…… IT WAS THAT MOMENT, I knew I wanted to create beauty! She was glorious, beyond compare… It was almost like an apparition… So every design I thought of was based on that inspiration…. There is no other woman in the world that even today is cherished, copied, and admired as the epitome of style that Audrey Hepburn is.

Justin Howard – What do you enjoy most about designing clothes?

David Tupaz – The fact that I can make someone beautiful… Happy, Loved, Adored, Respected, Appreciated. and Admired… Giving that beauty to someone is priceless…

Justin Howard – As a designer what is the most challenging part of your job?

David Tupaz – Production…. The creation of the garment itself…as I follow the standard of ultimate luxury…there is NO COMPROMISE! In the creation of fashion, the quality should stand out! From the choice of material, color, etc…every seam, detail and line should be done to perfection… Just like cooking, you have to use the right ingredients! Or don’t bother…

Justin Howard – What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?

David Tupaz – Don’t copy other designers, create your own style! By learning to identify your own design Aesthetics. A designer’s style should be his or her trademark… It is the identifying factor that everyone knows is YOURS and no one else….and above all…QUALITY! You can design the most spectacular outfit where everyone will go ooh and ahh and applaud but if that dress doesn’t SELL… It doesn’t MEAN anything. Eventually the confirmation of a successful design is its commercial value, When someone will pay you thousands and thousands to have it…. Then you know you have achieved your design goal.