EXCLUSIVE: Jann Bungcaras Unveils His Eco-Sustainable Creation in Paris, Inspired by His Father
The Cebuano designer’s eco-sustainable piece “Empty Nest” is a reflection of his complex relationship with his father, as he prepares to showcase his work at the Triathlon de la Mode Éthique in Paris
Passion, perseverance, and parenthood—These are the ones that describe Jann Bungcaras’ parure, or a set of accessories. From his beginnings in Cebu, the Filipino designer has made his pasture to the world of eco-sustainable fashion, culminating in his participation in the Triathlon de la Mode Éthique in Paris. His project—birthed by triumphs, challenges, and reflections—showcases the intersection of art, sustainability, and personal growth.
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A Cebuano Dream in Paris
The Triathlon de la Mode Éthique promotes creative sustainability. Initiated by Universal Love, an NGO tackling textile waste in Europe, the event calls upon fashion students to create wearable artworks from discarded sports materials. Bungcaras was selected to represent the Philippines through the Redress Design Awards, where he previously won the People’s Choice Award in 2020.
Bungcaras’ participation in the Triathlon de la Mode Éthique wasn’t just a matter of selection of what he would show as it has to be something personal. The designer reflects, “The longest part of my journey was the conceptualization process, determining what I would create that would resonate not just with me but with my viewers as well.”
Being one of the 11 non-Parisians in the finale was both an honor and a challenge for Bungcaras. Despite initial feelings of imposter syndrome and indifference from his family, he remained determined.
“When the confirmation email came in, I immediately cried. Paris has always been my dream,” he shares. The road to this moment was fraught with obstacles, from self-doubt to a lack of clear communication from event organizers. Yet, Bungcaras’ resilience shone through.
A Special Connection
Bungcaras’ creation for the competition, Empty Nest, is a play of words between “empty nest”—a state of a home when the children grew up and leave—and “emptiness”—not containing anything.
Furthermore, it is a poignant reflection of his relationship with his father. Made from his father’s damaged basketball jersey and his own stained active shirt, the piece symbolizes their opposite connections through art: damaged for masculinity, stained for femininity. “Growing up, my father and I never saw eye to eye. But I always knew my talent for the arts came from him,” Bungcaras explains.
The parure features a father bird caring for his son, capturing the complexities of their relationship and the journey of growing up and leaving the nest.
“More than anything, I just want my family to be proud of me, the same as how much they were proud of me when I became Valedictorian. The moment I chose art as a career path, it seemed impossible.”
Learning and Growing
Over the last year leading up to the Triathlon de la Mode Éthique finale, Bungcaras faced numerous challenges but also experienced significant growth. “I learned to have self-respect as a participating artist and to demand more information.”
“I also learned to not be discouraged immediately and to open up more to my family,” he says. These lessons have not only shaped his approach to fashion but also strengthened his resolve to advocate for eco-sustainable practices.
Flying for the Future
Jann’s participation in the Triathlon de la Mode Éthique is about more than personal achievement; it comes with inspiring others. He hopes to encourage new and veteran artists to embrace eco-sustainable and circular fashion.
“If I can make art from damaged basketball jerseys and active shirts, then the possibilities are boundless,” he asserts. His vision is for fashion to be part of the solution to pollution caused by fast fashion and consumerism.
As Bungcaras prepares to present his work in Paris, his is infectious. “I am excited to tell my story and to share how we can revive damaged pieces into other forms of art and function. I hope my participation will open doors to more genuine Filipino eco-sustainable and circular artists.”
From Cebu to Paris, Jann Bungcaras reinforces the value of sustainability in fashion and the promise of art. He preserves with him the individual relationship between the sustained act of family, support, and belonging. Maybe the nest isn’t empty; it’s only flying.
Photographed by ALYSSA UY
Creative Logistics by GERMEE RONIROSE
Model MACIEJ GORĄCZNIAK of NEW MONRAQ MANILA
The post EXCLUSIVE: Jann Bungcaras Unveils His Eco-Sustainable Creation in Paris, Inspired by His Father appeared first on MEGA.
EXCLUSIVE: Jann Bungcaras Unveils His Eco-Sustainable Creation in Paris, Inspired by His Father
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