KEY POINTS
- His exceptional work regularly graces the pages of top-tier fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Schon, Nylon, and GQ. Recently, he has also become a significant contributor to Vogue Philippines.
- In an industry often dominated by Western voices, Carlos stands out as a proud Filipino creative.
- He is red-green colourblind, a hereditary condition that could have hindered his career in a field where colour is paramount.
Carlos Mangubat has carved a niche for himself in the competitive fashion industry of Australia. Currently based in Melbourne, Carlos is renowned for his editorial, runway, advertising, and celebrity styling. His exceptional work regularly graces the pages of top-tier fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Schon, Nylon, and GQ. Recently, he has also become a significant contributor to Vogue Philippines. Throughout his 15-year career, Carlos has collaborated with esteemed brands such as Hugo Boss AU, Tommy Hilfiger AU, Harrolds, Matchesfashion.com, Philip Treacy, and Sarah Snook.
Carlos’s journey began in Baguio, Philippines, where he was born into a family that cherished creativity. His mother and grandmother crafted curtains and dresses, instilling in him a love for textiles and design. In the late 1980s, his family moved to Wangaratta, a rural town in Australia. This move, while challenging, fuelled Carlos’s desire for something greater.
“My mum and grandma made curtains and dresses so that’s why interaction with textile was always there when I was growing up.”
Despite societal expectations pushing him towards a conventional career in medicine or law, Carlos’s heart belonged to fashion. He spent eight years in university, following an academic trajectory, but ultimately, he couldn’t ignore his true calling.
“I ended up deciding one day that I’m just gonna give fashion a go because my heart was really there.”
Against the odds and his parent’s initial reluctance, Carlos enrolled at RMIT to study fashion. This brave decision set him on a path that would change his life.
Carlos at the recent editorial styling training in Melbourne where he shared styling advice and creative eye with fashion students.
Rising through the ranks
Carlos’s entry into the fashion world was far from glamorous. He started as a volunteer at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2009. This humble beginning, combined with his education, opened doors to assist at prestigious fashion events and collaborate with established stylists. His dedication and hard work paid off when he landed a project for L’Officiel Ukraine in 2017. This breakthrough moment propelled him into the international spotlight, leading to collaborations with Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue.
“I’m at the point where I’m like, I’ve lived my dream. I was a young boy flipping through the magazine hoping that one day, I could do something with them and now that I am, its quite surreal in a sense. I’ve achieved something that I wanted to.”
Vogue Philippines styled by Carlos Mangubat assisted by Sophie
Being colourblind in the fashion world
His journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. He is red-green colourblind, a hereditary condition that could have hindered his career in a field where colour is paramount. However, Carlos turned this potential obstacle into a unique strength. With the support of friends and assistants, and a logical approach to his work, he has excelled in creating visually stunning and commercially appealing images.
“It has been more difficult to fulfil advertising briefs or things that require nail on the head colour matches but luckily, I have supportive friends and my assistants help me. Logic plays a big part of it. My career choice allows me to be a lot more fluid with the choices I make,” he admits.
Carlos Mangubat shares fashion tips at the Australian Style Institute event.
Representing Filipino talent in fashion
In an industry often dominated by Western voices, Carlos stands out as a proud Filipino creative. Representing his heritage in Australia’s fashion scene, he finds immense pride and responsibility in showcasing Filipino talent.
“It feels great to be out there representing my community and I’m quite proud of that.”
The global Filipino creative community is growing, and Carlos is passionate about discovering and nurturing talent within this network. His work not only highlights his exceptional skills but also amplifies the voices of his community, inspiring and empowering others.
Melbourne Fashion Festival, runway styled by Carlos Mangubat ( Lucas Dawson Photography)
Crafting a unique signature
Carlos describes his styling as “commercial with a twist.” His work is characterised by its beauty and ability to capture the viewer’s attention, appealing to a broad audience while maintaining a unique edge. Influences from his early life, including his mother’s love for fashion and the high-end magazines he admired, continue to inspire his creations.
Tugtugan at Kwentuhan features the story of artists and talents who are making their own mark in the music and arts industry.
