Dedicated to you, Gerardo Privat…
Gerardo Privat was one of my favorite Peruvian designers, probably one of the very few you could say I really admired. I dreamed that one day I would attend LIF Week to see one of his fashion shows, but I never imagined that he would end up passing away at a young age, nor that the day I would finally see a fashion show with his designs that it would be his tribute to him. Before I talk about my experience attending his tribute in LIF Week, I’d like to share with you a story about how I first heard of him and became a fan.
In 2012, when I was just starting my third year at college, for one of my classes we had to choose a designer and write about their life and their work. All of the internationally renowned designers, specifically my favorites, had been selected by other students. So, when it was my turn, I had no idea who to name since I always did my work on someone or something that I admired or liked a lot. For a moment, I didn’t even want to do the work!
That night I talked to my grandma about what happened. We talked a little bit about fashion in Lima and she gave me the idea to write about a Peruvian designer. The only problem at that moment was that, I had no clue of any! My grandma mentioned 3 names to me, and the third one was the one that caught my attention the most, according to her, this designer had many beautiful designs and it was during the time he was becoming known… his name, Gerardo Privat. I started researching and was fascinated the moment I saw his designs. The following day I remember telling my professor that I would write about Gerardo Privat!
As I mentioned earlier, Gerardo was a designer that I admired a lot. Which is why earlier this October I was excited to see LIF Week would do a tribute to Privat and during dates that I would be in Lima. On October 26th a little after 9pm, the CEO announced that different previous garments designed by Gerardo Privat would be shown. The beginning was a little emotional since on the screen they showed a video of Gerardo talking about his passion for fashion, the creation of hi brand, his inspirations, and more. As soon as the video finished playing and the show began I remember tearing up a little, but once I saw the first model walk out I smiled. I felt many emotions as I saw his different designs on the runway. His collection was a mix of elegant and glamorous. While watching the show I felt that in a way I was accomplishing a dream that I had pending since college. After the show, I felt different emotions The fashion world of Peru will definitely not be same without you, a great, intelligent, a creative. Gerardo Privat… You left a mark and brand impossible to forget! Rest in peace.
