Some ten years ago, graphic designer Ino Caluza quit his job at an in-flight magazine to start his own business: made-to-order jeans. This was way before cult brands like Cheap Monday became available in the Philippines, and with a slogan like “A good pair of Viktor can get you laid”, it wasn’t long before he counted socialites and celebrities like Kris Aquino, Jake Cuenca, Lucky Manzano, Richard and Raymond Gutierrez, Sharon Cuneta, and Judy Ann Santos, among others, as loyal clients. There were also rock stars like the Eraserheads and The Dawn band members.
Tonight at Greenbelt 5, Caluza is hosting an invite-only 10th anniversary show where he is presenting his brand’s first collaboration with fashion designer Jerome Lorico. The stage’s all set (it’s a Star Trek-inspired backdrop by Jagnus Design Studio) but Coconuts Manila managed to catch up with the 33-year-old jeans designer and asked him a few questions:
What’s happening tonight?
We are celebrating our ten years as the first premium bespoke jeans of the Philippines.
How are you celebrating it?
We’re launching our first collaboration with Jerome Lorico for the Lord Viktor rtw brand. The capsule collection will be unveiled via a fashion show at the Fashion Walk of Greenbelt 5 and we will also announce the release of our VX LMTD EDITION CUSTOM FIT jeans.
What’s that?
Those are limited edition jeans available only for two days, Nov 30 and Dec 1. We are offering it for only PHP2,003 — to commemmorate our birth year. This offer will be available to new clients on the second day only.
Well, not’s forget about Yolanda.
Actually, a specially designed denim tote bag will also be on sale (PHP900) and proceeds will be donated to the relief drive. This white tote bag is japanese premium selvedge denim.
What makes your brand different from cult foreign brands?
Viktor will always be known as a premium bespoke jeans and for that, exclusivity and great-fitting jeans will always be our edge.
Can anyone really wear jeans? Or should some people not even attempt?
Laughs. Anyone and eveyone can and should wear jeans. As long as they know what type of fabric, style and fit can go well with their body type and personality. As they say, jeans is the great equalizer of fashion.
Anything else up your sleeves?
We’ll be releasing our first vik rtw collection under the new Rustan-Ayala partnership of department stores by early next year. Viktor will be editing its current design and will be doing new campaigns. Watch out for Viktor Version 2.0.
