Fashion and art are eternally intertwined, if not fused as one.

After weeks of immersing in the visual arts, we are spotlighting this time one of the most beautiful, captivating and celebrated in the performing arts — ballet. 

Google says, “Costumes have always been influenced and been influenced by fashion.”  We have, indeed, seen this in pieces that have one way or another become a trend — including the currently hot ballet flats, leotards, warmers and tutu-inspired skirts. 

Global fashion labels like Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Simone Rocha and Galliano have created imprints in history with their trends.

In the Philippines, one iconic fashion designer is making the costumes for the upcoming ballet masterpiece entitled Limang Daan, running  from 8 to 10 March at the Theatre at Solaire.

JC Buendia entered fashion and started as Cesar Gaupo’s assistant, and later on was privileged to have been guided by industry legends Joe Salazar and Auggie Cordero.

JC says, “Inno Sotto to this day considers me a baby brother.” 

One of the most talented, humble and kind personalities in Philippine fashion, this modest designer is thus far the only one who has become the president of the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (popularly known as FDCP) for three terms. 

Now, fashion brings ballet to life through his exemplary and unique designs as seen in the beauty of every masterpiece in Limang Daan.

What a lot of people don’t know is that ballet is close to JC’s heart.  It is something deeply rooted in his childhood. NEW.NOW.NEXT gets up close and personal with this celebrated designer and asks 20 questions you didn’t know about one of his first loves.

What is your relationship with ballet? When was your first encounter with it? Do you like it?

As a child, I secretly wanted to be a ballet dancer. Remember those little Lady Bird books? I bought one about ballet in National Bookstore with my school baon. I would dance in the shower and one time, my foot hit the faucet, till now I have a round scar on my foot.

My first ballet was The Nutcracker at the CCP where the young Sophia Zobel played Clara. Everything was just so enchanting, from the ladies in the audience wearing flowy chiffon gowns to the magic on stage; I was amazed how quick they would change sceneries and how the light would follow every movement of the dancers.

Did you ever design costumes for a major ballet production before? If yes, when and what show. If no, what made you decide to do so now?

This is my first time to design for ballet. I did costumes for stage once, for Floy Quintos’ LIVES.

Why Limang Daan?

I gladly said yes to Limang Daan because the libretto fascinated me. I’ve always loved Noli and Fili, the Mountain Province and New York. To dress up the characters in these settings is an absolute joy for me.

What challenges did you encounter in making the costumes?

It was challenging technically, finding fabrics with the right stretch and fall. Finding the balance between a tailored fit and comfort in movement.

How different, similar, or related is costume to fashion designing?

It is very similar to designing for clients because you’re also dressing up different characters.

What’s your favorite design piece in Limang Daan and why?

Maria Clara, definitely. I loved how light filters through the layers of fabrics. It’s also something my clients would love to wear, modest but sexy at the same time.

What fabrics and details did you use for the whole production?

 I enjoyed using transparent fabrics like organdy, organza, and tulle. I did beadwork on some of the main characters, I loved how they stand out on stage.

Inspiration?

I’m usually inspired by music, but this time, I got inspired by the wind. I close my eyes and feel the wind on my cheeks and I see fabrics floating in mid-air.

What was the longest costume to make and the shortest?

The longest to make was Mother Superior’s. She had a robe, a detachable bib, a cap and a veil. Quickest to do was Amihan, I used a kimono pattern on fully beaded tulle.

What do you think are the similar qualities of ballet and fashion?

In ballet and in fashion, one steps into a beautiful dream that makes you dread waking up.

Locally, who’s your favorite ballerina (female and Male)?

I can’t forget Edna Vida’s performances. She breathed life to her characters.

Your all-time favorite ballet?

Giselle. I love seeing the midcalf tulle skirts of the dancers and, of course, as a true romantic, my heart explodes with joy as love triumphs in the end.

The most iconic?                                          

I must say Swan Lake.

Which ballet has the best costumes?

I love Don Quixote’s costumes and sets! Unforgettable for me.

The most unforgettable ballet you’ve ever seen?

Don Quixote. Impossible it may seem, like Don Quixote, we never stop dreaming of a happier and better world.

Favorite type of music or scoring for the ballet?

I love classical.

Longest ballet you’ve ever seen?

Perhaps Sleeping Beauty? But I never felt it was too long because I enjoyed it.

If you were a ballerina, which ballet would you like to be a part of?

Peter Pan! I want to fly!

Any dream costumes you’d like to make for the ballet?

I’d love to do Les Sylphides! Those dreamy tulles under the moonlight.

Any important wisdom you’d like to impart or share?

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” I’m most grateful to be in this beautiful profession; the whole process of creating a dress from start to finish, and seeing it move on a person’s body gives me unexplainable joy.