Henry Pascual: A Filipino Visual Events Sculptor
For one, special event designing in the Philippines is slowly carving its niche in the wedding industry which is thickly populated by wedding coordinators and planners who mostly rose from the advertising and floral industry but few from the art circle.
Enter Henry Pascual, highly-regarded as the enfant terrible of visual event styling in the country today, now appearing edgier and proving to be more innovative than any of his contemporaries in the field of event styling.
Getting to know Visual Event Extraordinaire
A Fine Arts major in Advertising from the University of Santo Tomas in the capital Manila, Philippines, Mr. Pascual recounts how from being the visual artist consultant and director for popular and trendy Cinderella clothing and apparels store for six years (1994-2000), he was able to penetrate the event styling profession for weddings, corporate events and debuts.
His masterwork of design and displays have been gracing weddings, corporate functions, family homes, Enterprise and Shangri-la building lobbies and hallways, exhibits, and display window of Cinderella.
“Actually when I launched myself carrying the title as an event stylist in 2001, it turned out that many people I knew were surprised because they have never heard or not been familiar with this profession,” said Mr. Pascual. “And not until I marketed and promoted my line of work that the industry finally understood me, and some followed suit”
In the United States, a visual stylist is trained in aesthetics and logistics and is considered the “interior designer” of the special event industry. Mr. Pascual explained that as visual event stylist you are the production manager and as such, he directs all visual aspects of an event by merging design elements with logistical and technical parameters.
So compared with a wedding coordinator or wedding planner, an event stylist evaluates and assess an event plan with keen visual eye with high regard to aesthetics, and the look and feel of an event.
Mr. Pascual prides that he goes abroad and sourced out materials, manufactures and supplies props and decorations for the requirements of his clients.
Presently, he is commissioned to work for different visual event design requirements of Shangri-la and Enterprise Tower in Makati City. He also regained visual artistic jobs for Cinderella.
Qualities that an aspiring event stylist should possess
For any prospective event stylist, it is important that one possess good taste and the so-called “third eye.”
“You must have quick eye and must be aware and you should have broad imagination to allow you imagine things creatively and passionately,” Mr. Pascual stressed, adding that “it is a must that you are an artist 70 percent and that that quality runs in your blood.”
Mr. Pascual pointed out that it is not easy to claim that one is an event stylist if he just learned something from the books and copied the styles and look he or she saw from these publications.
His Visual Event Styling Process
Before he works for a client, Mr. Pascual said that he hold consultation with the client, taking this chance to ask questions to determine the client’s wishes and how they will fit into the overall objectives necessary for the success of the event.
“Then what followed is for me to do the illustration and drawing of what or how I envisioned the event should be styled,” he added, and then, “I prefer that my client give me an idea of their budget. That way, I will be able to adjust my design. Lastly, I prepare my proposal for the client to ask for approval.”
For Mr. Pascual, he ensures that the style and design of an event is ideally the careful balance of form, function, texture, and artfully selected color to create a truly mesmerizing and memorable event.
He also considers logistics in determining the styling of an event.
When asked about his event styling rates, he said that this usually starts from 100,000 pesos. This usually includes purely reception d�©cor with flower d�©cor for a venue that could pack 100 to 150 people.
Still young at heart, Mr. Pascual said that he is not contented with what he has fashioned for a certain event or decoration. He aims to always elevate what he has done and create something new and innovative.
Presently, he is dealing with EDSA Shangri-la for the setting up of a bridal shop.
What to look for an Event Stylist
Mr. Pascual remarked that would-be couple should look for an event stylist who is certified or professional. He reminded that the rates or the price figure should not be look at without first determining what this entails.
If the bride or groom would not like to sacrifice the aesthetics and the experience a memorable event would give and make it stood out, they should have a budget, Mr. Pascual added.
