Born in Capiz, Philippines, Carl’s journey into fashion began with curiosity and grit. He taught himself to sew and draft patterns through YouTube tutorials and textbooks before formally studying Fashion Design at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. His early work as a stylist for the Filipino a cappella group Prime Note Ensemble laid the foundation for a career that would soon gain international attention.

In 2015, Carl won the Metropolitan Fashion Week Costume Design Competition, a pivotal moment that opened doors to the global pageant scene. Since then, he has designed national costumes and evening gowns for contestants in Miss Universe, Miss Earth, Miss Grand International, and Miss International, representing countries like Mauritius, Zambia, Suriname, and the USA.

Carl’s signature lies in his use of Philippine indigenous fabrics—including Musa (banana fiber from Mindanao), Hablon (from Iloilo), and Binakol (from Luzon). His collections are not only visually stunning but also rooted in advocacy. He collaborates with local artisans and supports initiatives like the People Deprived of Liberty program in Davao del Norte, where inmates weave Musa fabric as part of their rehabilitation.

His recent collections, such as The Secret Garden and House of Musa, debuted at New York Fashion Week and featured beauty queens like Breea Yamat, Bea Windorski, and Heather Santos. Each piece is a tribute to Filipino craftsmanship, sustainability, and the power of fashion to tell stories that matter.