A lot of young people gravitate towards New York for various reasons: to feed their creative side, to follow a loved one, to look for the dream job, to explore possible opportunities, to live out a dream.
Based on the 2007 American Community Survey, just over half of current New Yorkers—50.5 percent to be exact—moved here either from another country or another state. This, despite the numerous problems that plagued two of the city’s major industries: Wall Street and the media. Similarly, a recent Pew Research poll asked Americans about different cities and whether or not they’d like to live there, 45 percent of the people under 35 said they’d like to live in New York.
Such is the pull of New York City, and that was something that lured and enticed jewelry designer Happy David to pack her bags and leave a burgeoning career back in the Philippines.
Happy was quite surprised when she found out that her fashion editor/friend was applying for Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), specially since both were deep into their careers.
“I was reminded of my dream of studying there and living in New York. I had come here during high school begging my parents to allow me to study in college in the US, but it didn’t happen,” Happy shares. “I thought it was now or never, to get to live in the fashion and cultural hub of the world. It was also time for me to take things to the next level. I had been designing for about roughly 8 years already then, I wanted to explore something new.”
And explore she did.
This was in 2009, in the middle of the worst recession in a century.
Three years later and with a couple of achievements tucked under her belt – she graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology’s Jewelry Design Associate Program and interned at Fenton/Fallon, Subversive Jewelry & Alexis Bittar – Happy David is ready to conquer the rest of the world.
As a young jewelry designer in Manila, Happy landed her first major client: Bench Pinoy Lab and Human. She also supplied for Bayo eventually, and made accessories for the campaigns of Folded & Hung, Penshoppe and Ensembles.
Even before graduating college, she was invited to join the prestigious young adult department of high-end department store Rustan’s amongst all international brands. Her ‘Lucy in the Sky’ line was available in specialty boutiques like Firma and Rajo Laurel’s atelier, which has spun off to its own retail store, House of Laurel.
Happy has also collaborated with Manila’s top fashion designers like Tippi Ocampo and Kate Torralba for their jewelry/ accessories, and was selected as one of People Asia’s ‘Women of Style and Substance’ in 2007, alongside Margarita Fores, Millet Mananquil, Korina Sanchez, Vilma Santos and Gaby de la Merced.
Happy grew up in a traditional, closely-knit family. Her dad, Rey Anthony David is into advocacy public relations while her mom, Monsie Guingona David has her livelihood projects and an active player in a group called Habi, which is striving to promote and conserve the old Filipino weaves and fabric traditions.
“I guess growing up we were all mostly inclined to the arts. My older sister is a filmmaker, and the younger one is a photographer. Being artistic and creative probably runs in the blood as my aunt is an artist and my late grandfather was an artist/ photographer,” Happy shared.
This year, she is looking forward to the opportunity to be able to display her work as part of the Philippine Consulate General of New York’s “Best of the Philippines” series and the launch of her Fall/Winter collection at Nida, a store in the West Village this September, in time for Fashion’s Night Out.
In a recent interview with the designer, she talked about her plans, and about how New York made her a better, more mature person.
Here are excerpts of said interview.
How did you get started?
Prior to my taking classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology, I’ve never really had any formal training in jewelry. I did a semester at the Philippine School of Interior & Design but ended up going back to the University of Asia & the Pacific to finish my Business Management Degree as my parents insisted.
I began by just stringing a handful of beads together. I had a very hands-on approach to learning, I just loved to spend time in the workbench where all the action happened, rather than on a desk drawing.
Were you always interested in jewelry? How did you start your career as a designer?
What I knew for sure was that when I was younger, I was definitely more interested in art and design rather than in math, science, or Chinese language!
It all started with a handful of beads and string one summer back in 2000. I was fortunate enough to have had retail magnate Ben Chan discover my jewelry right away. He invited me to present a collection at their head office, and when school opened that June, my designs were already being sold in the Human chain of stores.
What would you consider as your signature aesthetic?
Native, raw textures on contemporary silhouettes. I love juxtapositions. Having contradictory elements side by side I believe brings out the best in both. I want my pieces to elicit reactions...make you think, wonder...and have you look at it again because it’s not what you thought it was at first glance.
Other than that, I hope the one who wears it truly enjoys it and has fun.
What would you consider as your biggest challenge living in New York?
The Weather. Winter. I’m not complaining this year though...thank God, this year has been kind...unfortunate, though when you realize that it’s largely due to global warming happening. Going out everyday without checking the weather...it’s a constant battle with the elements once you step out.
You arrived in New York during the worst recession that America, and the world, has ever seen. How was it like moving?
My dad was worried and against me going to the US because for him, it was in Asia that was at the forefront of action & the future. But I felt challenged knowing that there was a recession when he brought it up. It was risky, but I believed that it was during these times that great companies and brands are built and you will find out what you are made of.
You ran after your dream of studying in the US, despite the recession, despite your dad’s initial disapproval.
I applied even if the deadline had passed, and I said to myself, well if I get in we’ll see. I got accepted, and here I am now. Funny, how my friend also, ended up going a semester late and I ended up acting like her advanced party since I have already navigated the school and the city!
Who or what inspires your collections?
Living in New York... the chance encounters, possibilities & opportunities that surprise you in the middle of what you think is a bad day. The subway and entertainment numbers! I’m inspired by Irreverent women who lead adventurous lives like Filipino cultural icon Gilda Cordero-Fernando, China Machado, Iris Apfel. I find that women of their generation had a very authentic love for fashion. They were dressing up to the beat of their own drums long before it was cool, and long before the advent of street style photographers. Again, I love juxtapositions, mixing things up, the old with the new, something with a vintage feel worn in a modern way.
Who do you see wearing Happy David designs?
These are women who love to explore and try out new things, wear different looks to express other facets of themselves. They try new creative ways to be beautiful and interesting inside and out, anywhere they go.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a personal collection for a dear friend, Bam, who is pressuring me to do a men’s line. I’m also doing a collection for a shop in Denmark. I’m also really looking forward to expanding my current collections for stores, working on the next season and also on other shows this year.
Any odd habits & quirks while designing?
I don’t really enjoy drawing. I prefer to just get my hands on the material right away to mold and tinker with it. It’s more exciting to discover possibilities and surprises from little “accidents”. I like designing in the midst of chaos, with all the materials, inspirations, all just spread out in front of me. Not applicable though to when I am on a hazardous workbench. I have a tendency to squint my eyes when trying to picture or imagining things.
Is there a piece of jewelry you wear everyday?
Hmmmm....When I decide to usually declare that this one piece is what I will wear everyday, I end up losing it.
And again, with the change in weather and layering---I’ve had to keep changing it up. I used to always wear earrings or rings a lot. But with the scarves & gloves...it’s quite a challenge.
That could be my challenging project, I just might make one thin necklace or bracelet to wear everyday. But I don’t really wear small things...since my pieces are usually bold, oversized and obtrusive. I suppose it’s part of evolving as an artist, especially one that’s gone on a journey like I have. You try to stick to your aesthetic whilst absorbing your surroundings—the layers you have to pile on, gloves you have to wear over your cocktail ring. It’s an interesting challenge; it forces you to be creative.
How did you end up in Sunnyside, Queens for your Bliss Gets Happy exhibit?
To me, it’s a celebration of what I’ve learned and experienced the past two years of my life here in New York.
I’m really thankful to have discovered this great space. I’ve been reading about them since they first opened last year with an art fest called Ebolusyon. They had an impressive line up of Filipino luminaries like author Jessica Hagedorn, filmmaker Lav Diaz, painter/jeweler Art Zamora, artist Ernest Concepcion...to name a few.
Filipino printmaker Ged Merino and his Colombian wife, Carolina really did a great job. They both worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the past twenty years, until Ged decided to focus on his art and the studio now. You can really sense their passion for art, culture and people. It’s got a lot of great energy that transcends cultural backgrounds.
The musician that played during the opening, Hide Inaba, a Sunnyside local, just happened to walk by Bliss a few weeks before asked if he could jam with his band there. Hide, who is Japanese, sans band performed a relaxing Bossa Nova set, alongside Puerto Rican percussionist, Carmen Arroyo.
What’s Bliss for you?
It reminds me so much of home. They have all these Filipino indigenous woven baskets/ bags and draped Yakan (Mindanao) fabric decor. My mother is from Zamboanga & we also used a lot of the same fabrics at home. They’ve only been up for a few months, but they were already invited to take part in the Queens Museum of Art salute to artist run spaces in Queens. Very exciting!
(Photos by Tammy David)
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