Martina Lebron is a designer and illustrator who blends art and culture in her fashion brand, By Martina Lebron. Drawing has always been a part of her life. “I filled my school notebooks with illustrations instead of notes,” she recalls. This love for drawing led her to create wearable art inspired by Filipino stories and traditions.
“Making my illustrations into clothing was a way for me to connect art, fashion, and my culture,” she shares. Drawing, an ancient form of communication, allows us to express emotions and memories. For Martina, drawing is not just about creating images; it’s about building connections and translating experiences. Her journey has taken her from Manila to London and soon to Paris, where she finds fresh perspectives on her heritage.
Leaving the Philippines made her appreciate her roots more. “The distance gave me clarity,” she says. “It pushed me to protect and elevate my culture through my work.” This realization has shaped her artistic vision, helping her reclaim and reinterpret Filipino symbols in a modern light.
Before studying Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines, Martina explored creative outlets like Tumblr and collages during her childhood. After a year of formal training, she shifted to the London College of Fashion to focus on Fashion Imaging and Illustration. Her experiences with global brands like JW Anderson enriched her understanding of design.
Martina now aims to bridge her cultural heritage with modern representation. “Being Filipino is about embracing the mix,” she explains. She creates scarves that are both luxurious and full of meaning, featuring motifs from Filipino culture. Each scarf tells a story, like the “Kundiman” scarf named after a traditional love song, or “Amihan,” which reflects the wind that marks the dry season.
Statistically, fashion is a powerful tool for personal expression. A report by McKinsey states that 66% of consumers prefer brands that contribute to social and cultural conversations. This aligns with Martina’s mission to elevate Filipino stories in high fashion.
Through her scarves, Martina brings cultural narratives to the forefront, transforming traditional symbols into modern fashion statements. She believes that design is a language that can resonate globally while staying true to its roots.
In her creative process, Martina focuses on themes of color and pattern, letting the design evolve naturally. This intuitive approach reflects her deep connection to her cultural identity.
In a world where roots and modernity often clash, Martina Lebron’s work stands as a reminder of the beauty in blending the two. Her designs are not just fashion pieces; they are wearable stories that celebrate heritage and identity.
For more on Martina’s journey and artistic vision, check out Lifestyle Asia.
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Martina Lebron,By Martina Lebron
