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An Inspiring Masterclass with John Herrera: Bridging Creativity and Craft in Fashion Design

23-05-2025   


On 24th April, Fashion-Enter Ltd hosted an inspiring one-hour masterclass with acclaimed fashion designer and educator John Herrera, introduced by CEO Jenny Holloway. With 23 eager participants, from the FC Designer Workspace and externally, in attendance, the free session offered a rare and insightful glimpse into the journey of a designer whose path to success has been shaped by passion, persistence, and a deep love for the craft of garment making.

A Passion Born in Childhood

John Herrera’s interest in fashion began at the tender age of six. While watching his mother sew, he became fascinated with the process, often sketching designs and imagining garments. Despite early discouragement — he recalls being told that sewing was “for girls” — John followed his instincts. Sketching became his creative outlet and the beginning of a lifelong pursuit in fashion.

This early fascination deepened when he encountered pattern cutting for the first time. Initially, he found the structured rules constraining, especially after years of freehand creativity. But as he gained experience, he came to appreciate that understanding pattern cutting was essential to realising his designs. It allowed him to work within creative boundaries while still expressing his artistic vision — a balance that has since defined his design ethos.

From Tutor to Designer: A Natural Educator

While studying at fashion school, John’s talent for teaching was quickly recognised. His willingness to support fellow students caught the attention of his tutor, who encouraged him to become an educator. This role not only honed his communication skills but revealed a natural ability to inspire and uplift others — a quality evident in every course he leads today.

John officially launched his fashion brand in 2004. In the early days, he juggled multiple roles: entering design competitions, using his tutoring income to fund garment production, and creating made-to-measure pieces for friends, including prom dresses. His belief in the power of persistence became his guiding principle, reminding aspiring designers that every opportunity — no matter how small — counts.

Style, Strategy, and the Power of Partnerships

One of John’s key pieces of advice during the masterclass was the importance of working with the right stylist. A good stylist acts as a bridge between designer and audience, playing a crucial role in how garments are seen and appreciated. However, he cautioned, it’s essential to research their background, previous work, and professional standards. Designers must ensure their pieces are treated with care — garments returned in poor condition are a red flag, and those relationships should be reconsidered.

By 2006, John’s steady growth meant he needed more space and help. He opened a workroom in the Philippines and hired his first two staff. Inspired by nature and especially the underwater world — he’s a keen snorkeler — John’s designs are often imbued with organic textures, colours, and movement.

Milestones and International Recognition

2015 marked a turning point in John Herrera’s career. He was sponsored to participate in the International Fashion Showcase, organised by the British Fashion Council, and went on to win the prestigious London Emerging Designer Awards the same year. Exposure through Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week and a digital printing collaboration with Epson Southeast Asia brought even more recognition, particularly in his home country, the Philippines.

Despite these successes, John is refreshingly candid about the realities of fashion. He highlights the value of internships — but stresses the importance of choosing a kind and respectful mentor. Working through the night should never be the norm, he insists. Good time management is critical, and a lack of it has been the downfall of many talented creatives. He prefers creating capsule collections over massive ranges, having only produced a 30-piece collection twice in his career — balance, he says, is everything.

Resilience and Rediscovery During COVID

Like many designers, John’s business took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. His store in the Philippines, open for two years, had to close. He admits the early lockdown days were difficult, but over time, he reconnected with his sewing machine and found renewed purpose. A new collection, presented via video through Fashion Scout, marked his post-pandemic comeback — proof of his belief that designers should never stop learning or evolving.

Paris Debut and Sustainable Innovation

In 2025, John Herrera took another leap forward, debuting his collection at Paris Fashion Week. A major highlight was his use of pineapple silk, an innovative and sustainable fabric he incorporated into a wedding dress design. His collection, Femme à la Mode, was featured in Tatler Asia, amplifying his reach across the continent and affirming his place among fashion’s most forward-thinking designers.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Designers

During the masterclass, John shared key advice for emerging designers:

Learn from John Herrera: 4-Day Fashion Illustration Course

For those inspired by John’s story, there’s an opportunity to learn directly from him. At the FC Designer Workspace from June 2 – June 5, 10am – 4pm, he will lead a 4-Day Introduction to Fashion Illustration course, open to anyone with a passion for fashion and drawing — no formal experience required. Students will learn everything from sketching fashion figures and flat drawings to colour theory, textile types, and how to build a capsule collection. Past attendees have praised John’s engaging teaching style and depth of knowledge.

For more information or to book your place, visit: Eventbrite Fashion Illustration Course


Book the
Alvanon Fit
Studio at
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