"Darren Apolonio is a Fashion Designer, Visual Artist & TV Personality born and raised in Manila Philippines. Growing up as a zany and creative kid, he was trained in the arts in De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde and earned his BA in Multimedia Arts. Initially pursuing visual arts and graphic design as a career, he later on started experimenting with fashion that developed into designing and making clothes for himself. Always the wildcard, Darren yearned for a drastic change, which led him to travel extensively throughout Asia and Europe where he connected with underground subcultures that later defined his design aesthetic; a campy contemporary take on pop culture, glam punk and avant grade art mixed with subversive street wear and youth culture. 

 

In 2016, he attended SCAD in Hong Kong and Savannah, Georgia where he earned his second BA in Fashion, upon his graduation he has been featured in Teen Vogue, Fashionista & WWD. The following year, he was approached to audition for Project Runway. Although he was hesitant at first, his charismatic charm and unique point of view in fashion led him to be cast on the show’s 19th Season with the premiere airing in the Fall of 2021. Like much of his personality and designs, Darren’s time in Project Runway was anything but boring. Although he did not win the competition, he’s “quickly become one of the most memorable characters” according to Elle.com. The experience has also magnified Darren and his eponymous brand, both now finding a home in New York City.”

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