Self-expression is the heart of his works, John Marcus Banday Mase does not design clothes but designs dreams. He is a Filipino fashion and costume designer, born and raised in Hong Kong who designs to amplify one's voice through the art of Contemporary Eveningwear and Culture. Fashion has always been an "armor" for John Marcus, giving significance to the strength and power of clothing concerning truth and identity.

 

Growing up queer and finding his haven in fashion, John Marcus has always described the latter as an “armor”, giving importance to the significant strength and power of what clothing holds, the power of truth & identity.

 

Throughout his academic journey at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), John Marcus has shown strong determination and passion, being awarded the DFA (Design for Asia) - Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award (HKYDTA) 2023, the Champion of the Thread of Creativity 2023 at Centrestage 2023 and VTC Design Fund Scholarship 2022/23. He also did an Exchange Studies program in Italy, Milan, at the Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi) to study for a Master’s Degree for one semester. John Marcus interned with renowned Hong Kong fashion names such as Tasha Ling, Alvin Goh, Rania Hatoum, and Suit Artisan. These experiences helped mold him into the emerging designer he is today.

 

The overall DNA of "John Marcus Collections", his couture and eveningwear brand, is best described in three words - elegance, culture & meaning. The brand aims to share the love and exploration of his Filipino Roots, blending it with the art of Contemporary Eveningwear. At the same time, it also invites wearers to fully be themselves with no limitations to bring light to mental health, LGBTQIA+, feminism, and peace

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For John Marcus, fashion is a vessel of change and has a crucial role in making a difference in the world and creating a more expressive and accepting place.

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He is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Design) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and will take a Master's Degree in Italy, Milan in 2025.

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Ultimately, John Marcus plans to establish his couture and eveningwear brand, firstly focusing on the Asian market and then globally. He wants to amplify the voice of those seeking acceptance and love around the world.