CARLA BIANCA RAVANES-HIGHAM
RC Caylan is ecstatic about his visit to the Philippines. On his social media accounts, he shares photos with friends, family, and a home he has built through dedication, hard work, perseverance, and passion.
Born in Iligan City but raised in Batangas, RC migrated to the United States in 2012 where he had a chance to complete a degree in Fashion Design. Soon after, he opened his own brand, RC Caylan Atelier in 2016 in Downtown Grand Rapids Michigan. His brand has been worn by many Hollywood celebrities including Daytime Emmy Winner Anne Winters. He has also been featured in high profile magazines such as British Vogue.
As a child, RC grew up with his grandmother who was a schoolteacher and a uniform seamstress. Because of this, he grew up with pattern papers, scissors, markers, and a sewing machine.
Moving to the United States after meeting his husband on a cruise ship where he was working as a hairstylist is what gave him the opportunity to pursue a dream he has had since childhood.
“When I got to Michigan, I looked for a school where I can take a degree in Fashion Design. It’s really my passion,” RC recalled. .
RC went on to study at the GRCC School of Fashion and Interior Design where he was a consistent Dean’s Lister.
“As an immigrant going to school was difficult because the standard was harder but despite the struggles I faced, I am proud that I still managed to keep my GPA high and consistently remain on the Dean’s List,” he shared.
After graduating, RC traveled to Los Angeles for an internship and to work with another designer as a fashion design assistant. His first big break came at a San Francisco Fashion Runway in September 2015 alongside 24 acclaimed fashion designers from all over the United States.
“I never expected that I will be recognized that soon in my career,” he said. Soon he won awards such as Fashion Designer of the Year in 2017, The Global Beauty Award and Gawad Filipino Most Promising International Fashion Designer of the Year 2016.
RC said he is proud of all that he has accomplished adding the fact that he is carrying the flag of the Philippines.
“It is both exciting and scary. Success doesn’t only come with one victory but it is a constant struggle to keep your brand relevant. Sustainability is the key. Keeping your feet on the ground, being true to my aesthetic is what I adhere to. I push harder and learn every day and this is what inspires me to create new designs,” he declared.
RC will soon be launching his brand in the upcoming New York Fashion Week SS2019 Collection and the Los Angeles Fashion Week in October.
“This is a dream come true for me to be able to share the same stage with many renowned and acclaimed fashion designers from all around the world,” the young Filipino designer enthused.
For more information about RC, visit www.rccaylan.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram @rccaylanatelierofficial.
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