Sunnies Digest: Renee de Guzman
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On this month's Sunnies Digest, we talk to Filipina creative designer, Renee de Guzman, on her fashion dos and how she finds inspiration within and beyond her 9 to 5.
Devon in basalt
What do you love about what you do?
The brainstorming and the behind the scenes. Fashion is a personal extension of me and is my creative outlet. The beauty of It is being able to portray emotions onto clothes whether it is through design, styling, and sometimes, photography.
How did you get to where you are today?
It involved lots of trial and error. Taking risks and embracing new territories in different aspects of the industry. I'm always a curious person, so I always exposed myself to new ideas and was constantly studying. I enjoyed seeing the different processes of things which helps me understand my craft better.
Describe your workday outfit.
It would be my father’s long sleeve striped polo shirt and tailored, or denim trousers. On production days, I like to keep it cozy, so a comfy sweater, or shirt paired with track shorts does the trick!
Tell us about R/STUDIOS. What inspired you to create it?
Ever since I was young, I knew that fashion design was the industry I dreamed of being in and it just clicked in me. R/STUDIOS is a ready-to-wear and accessories brand that believes in bringing personal stories and observations that will strike reactions and conversations. At the same time, make people experience art and emotions through fashion.
As a nostalgic person, my brand is all about creating pieces for people to take home and make beautiful memories with just like a tangible memory that can be passed on from one generation to the next.
Devon in basalt
"I'm always a curious person, so I always exposed myself to new ideas and was constantly studying."
Lane in dark tort
Your mood boards always look so interesting. How do you put them together?
I usually have a mind map in my head and whenever I’m researching, if something I come across clicks with that idea, I dive deeper into it. There’s no formula to the mood boards I make since each one has an intentional thought and some emotional aspect attached to that idea. This could be a memory, an anecdote, or even a random happy accident in the creative process.
What's a day in your life like?
A day constantly revolves around research, production, and organizing. I love getting lost in the world of vintage books and old magazine catalogs. There’s lo-fi music and an iced matcha on the side and it’s usually rotating around things to do for the RTW line, accessories, and leather goods.
You're also a stylist. What's are pieces you always have in your closet?
Aside from the usual uniform, oversized blazers, barrel trousers, and crisp cut pleated midi skirts are my go-tos.
What fashion trends are on your current rotation?
I’ve been into dropped waist skirts and dresses lately since they’re such flattering and form-fitting pieces. As someone who loves office wear, I’ve been into pairing my studio uniform with cateye and Bayonetta frames lately too!
“Fashion is a personal extension of me and is my creative outlet. The beauty of It is being able to portray emotions onto clothes whether it is through design, styling, and sometimes, photography.”
Tippy in crimson
When you're not doing creative work, where will we find you?
When I’m not at the studio working, I’m usually either resting, shooting content, or spending some quality time with friends and family.
What's your favorite city to shop and find inspiration?
I recently visited Seoul, Korea and so far, it’s one of my favorite places to shop at! Apart from the shopping, the store experience and intentional attention to detail they have to their brand identity is absolutely inspiring. Where I find inspiration is a different case because until this day, the creative spirit of London still has me, especially with the Wallace Collection and the annual Frieze Art Fair.
You dabble in a bit of poetry and film too. What subject are you drawn to the most?
For me, poetry is something I do from time to time. In most cases, I just have them in an archive, but the usual subject of interest revolves around personal emotions, longing, friendship, and motivational notes.
As for film photography, I absolutely love it. When it comes to shooting analog, aside from fashion, I enjoy mundane scenes, the in-betweens, and a play on shadows and silhouettes. For some cases, the framing also comes from certain movie stills I suddenly recall. But of course, I also shoot on film for moments I want to document and remember because they can be personal references for future collections.
