Filipina artist Bea Cruz, known for her exceptional talent and creative vision, made waves at the 2020 Style Week San Diego (FWSD) as she was awarded the prestigious Ashley Nell Tipton Best Designer Award. Her latest collection, aptly named “Shiny Young Things,” pays homage to the glamorous era of the 1920s, capturing the essence of a bygone decade in the world of fashion.
Bea Cruz, a 23-year-old designer hailing from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, has garnered recognition and acclaim for her work. She honed her creative skills through the Style Design and Merchandising Program at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde College of Design and Arts. Her journey as a designer has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing her unique vision and dedication to her craft.
The “Shiny Young Things” collection, consisting of 20 exquisite pieces, embodies the opulence and extravagance of the 1920s. Cruz’s signature flair is evident in the silhouettes and meticulously hand-sewn beadwork that adorn her creations. One of the standout pieces is a soft tulle ensemble adorned with two pounds worth of gold crystal seed beads. Other pieces include glittering organza garments with shoulder trains, a white sequined peplum top, skirts, frocks, godet sequined tulle dresses, and black gowns featuring acrylic chain straps, removable trains, beaded bust cups, hem tassels, and floor-length gowns.
Cruz’s attention to detail is impeccable, as she incorporates refined accents and accessories such as fringed ostrich feathers, mulberry silk scarves, sheer gloves, and chain belts to complete the looks. The collection is a stunning reflection of the roaring twenties, replete with alluring skirts, feather headbands, rhinestone accents, long pearls, and the spirit of jazz and celebration.
In discussing her collection, Cruz reflects on the parallels between the 1920s and the present day, marked by challenges and the desire for light, speed, and the celebration of life. She envisions this collection as a beacon of hope during these trying times, a reminder of the vibrant and jubilant spirit that can endure even in the face of adversity.
Bea Cruz’s talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She was honored with the Ashley Nell Tipton Best Designer Award, named after the guest judge, Ashley Nell Tipton, the first plus-sized fashion specialist to triumph on the renowned Project Runway series. Cruz’s achievements extend beyond the fashion world, as she previously received the Art & Beauty Behind Fashion Group award at the 14th International Digital Art Renewal Center (ARC) competition in New York, becoming the youngest and sole Philippine representative at the event.
Her global debut at the 2020 FWSD earned her the Best Designer title for “Vivirá,” a 10-piece autumn collection that reimagined traditional Filipino attire, adding a modern twist to classic pieces such as the baro’t saya, panuelo, and barong.
Furthermore, Cruz showcased her exceptional craftsmanship at the 15th ARC Salon Exhibition, where she meticulously hand-sewed a fully-sequined lace appliqué inspired by the artwork “Bound to Hinderance” (2020) by American-Iranian oil and figurative painter Pegah Semaie. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to seamlessly merge traditional and contemporary elements make Bea Cruz a rising star in the world of fashion.
As Bea Cruz continues to shine on both local and international stages, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers and artists, proving that creativity, dedication, and a unique vision can propel one to great heights in the world of fashion and beyond.
