25 Apr An Inspiring Free Masterclass with John Herrera: Creativity and Craft in Fashion Design

On 24th April, Fashion-Enter Ltd hosted a free, one-hour masterclass with renowned fashion designer and educator John Herrera. Introduced by CEO Jenny Holloway the online masterclass was attended by 23 participants from the FC Designer Workspace along with external attendees. The session provided an inspirational, behind-the-scenes look at Herrera’s creative journey and the passion driving his design philosophy.

Early Passion and Creative Drive

John Herrera’s fascination with fashion began at just six years old, watching his mother sew. Despite discouragement — he was told sewing was “for girls” — he followed his instincts, expressing himself through sketching. He later discovered pattern cutting, which, though initially restrictive, became a vital part of his design toolkit. The structured skill allowed him to transform freehand creativity into tangible, wearable garments, defining his approach as a designer.

The Educator Within
While at fashion school, John’s natural teaching ability emerged. Encouraged by his tutor, he embraced education alongside design. His early teaching experiences helped refine his communication skills and ignited a passion for inspiring others — a trait that continues to shine through in every workshop/course he leads.

Building a Brand with Persistence
In 2004, John launched his brand, balancing multiple roles to fund his work. From entering competitions to creating custom dresses for friends, he emphasised that perseverance and using every opportunity are keys to success. His story is a testament to hard work, strategic thinking, and resilience.

Strategic Partnerships and Design Growth
A major insight John shared was the importance of working with the right stylist — someone who understands and elevates a designer’s vision. He stressed vetting collaborators carefully and valuing garments as investments, urging designers to protect their work and reputation. By 2006, his business had grown enough to open a workroom and hire staff in the Philippines.

Recognition and Evolution
2015 marked a breakthrough as John won the London Emerging Designer Awards and showcased his work through Fashion Scout. A collaboration with Epson Southeast Asia further raised his profile. Despite his success, he remains grounded, stressing the importance of internships with respectful mentors and advocating for healthy time management. Rather than large collections, he prefers focused capsule ranges, believing that balance sustains creativity.

COVID Challenges and Comeback
The pandemic forced the closure of John’s store in the Philippines, but it also reignited his connection to the craft. He returned to sewing, and his comeback collection was presented digitally, reinforcing his belief that designers must adapt, evolve, and never stop learning.

Paris Debut and Sustainability
In 2025, John debuted at Paris Fashion Week with Femme à la Mode, featuring a wedding dress made from pineapple silk — a nod to sustainable innovation. The collection earned him recognition in Tatler Asia, highlighting his forward-thinking approach.

Advice for Aspiring Designers
Key takeaways from the session included:

• Discover your unique design identity
• Know your audience and market
• Create opportunities rather than wait for them
• Success requires preparation and mindset
• Master time management and planning

Upcoming Fashion Illustration Course
For those inspired by John’s journey, he will lead a 4-day Fashion Illustration course from June 2 – June 5, 10am – 4pm at the FC Designer Workspace. Open to all skill levels, the course will cover sketching, colour theory, textiles, and collection building. Learn more or book via Eventbrite.