Ziv Damian, the young designer behind the eponymous brand Ziv Rei Alexi, feels no need to polish the unpolished.

PHOTOGRAPHY Belg Belgica
At a glance, attitude is the keyword to describe Ziv Rei Alexi&rsquo;s newest collection. Or is it rawness? Restraint? Answer: all of the above. &ldquo;Sorry Mommy, Rakerz Ako highlights the idea of being fine with not meeting society&rsquo;s expectations,&rdquo; Ziv Damian, the brand&rsquo;s founder and namesake, shares. &ldquo;These &lsquo;rakerz&rsquo; are bold, unapologetic, and unwavering in pursuing their own paths, regardless of societal pressures.&rdquo;
The collection&rsquo;s title is a cheeky allusion to teenage angst, but for Damian, its boldness goes beyond just being a phase. The release&rsquo;s campaign, shot on a humid, overcast day along the historic winding streets of old Manila, sees couture techniques set against a backdrop of delivery trucks and crisscrossing telephone wires&mdash;a commentary, perhaps, on the beautiful chaos of Filipino life.
Let&rsquo;s talk about your latest collection, Sorry Mommy, Rakerz Ako. What were your inspirations for it?
Sorry Mommy, Rakerz Ako takes inspiration from the rawnessof concrete and the beauty of unfinished walls. Incorporating tansans as pins adds a unique Filipino touch to jacket pins, bridging cultural influences within the Western punk subculture.&nbsp;
Celebrating those who embrace their authentic selves, this collection challenges conventional norms and encourages a fearless approach to life, where being true to oneself is the ultimate goal. This follow-up to Pikit Mata, our inaugural collection, continues to explore resilience and self-acceptance, highlighting the lifestyle of those who live unapologetically.

Could you tell us more about your brand? How did it begin? What are your dreams for it?
Ziv Rei Alexi is not a person nor just a brand; it&rsquo;s a fusion of couture and contemporary styles, inspired by the &lsquo;rakerz&rsquo; lifestyle and Filipino heritage. Everybody can be Ziv Rei Alexi as long as you value individuality and approach life fearlessly.
The brand began unexpectedly early in my career when my parents urged me to take the leap and establish a studio. Thus, Pikit Mata was born following my graduation collection. I have great aspirations for Ziv Rei Alexi, aiming to stand for codes that go far beyond mere aesthetics.
What piqued your fascination with textured fabrics and the techniques you use? What made you decide to use them?
I just happen to pass by lots of unfinished walls and concrete every day. Also, I&rsquo;ve gotten tired of the repetitiveness of traditional couture techniques and designs so I sought out alternative ways to integrate these textures into tangible garments.
How is this latest release different from your past collections? How has your design perspective shifted since your time in fashion school?
Each collection builds upon the last, always extending the narrative from where it left off. One of my greatest fears is stagnation, so we relentlessly explore each concept until we [no longer have anything to draw from it]. Then, we shift focus.
Maturity has taught me the value of restraint, ensuring we don&rsquo;t do too much. It&rsquo;s always about finding the balance to us&mdash;without sacrificing our house codes, of course.

Could you walk us through your creative process?
Our creative process is a mixture of spontaneity and our existing vision. We just rock and roll all the way. We believe that embracing things at their purest form while staying grounded in one&rsquo;s creative vision can lead to some truly unique and authentic results. It&rsquo;s always about finding that balance between exploration and intentionality to us. Going out, taking pictures, and immersing ourselves in that lifestyle are also an important practice for us in order to maintain authenticity.
What are your long-term influences? What are the things that have inspired you for years?
Chaos has inspired me over the years. It&rsquo;s all very rock and roll to me. There really is beauty from it.
What are your current influences? What&rsquo;s inspiring you right now?
Currently, we find inspiration in everything Pinoy, from casual Filipino clothing, traditional garb, Filipino architecture, and the [full spectrum of the] Filipino lifestyle.
Escolta really inspires me right now. Everything about the area is just perfect to me. Its long history makes me want to create even more.
How has your work evolved along with your own personal growth?
I feel like I&rsquo;ve forced myself to mature quickly. Everything else just followed.

Raw Emotion: Ziv Damian

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