Vania Romoff

Her effortless designs for the modern-day romantic have been loved by many a fashionista since she broke out onto the scene in 2009. Born to a family of fashion designers and garment manufacturers (her grandmother holds the honour of being Cebu’s first couturier), it seems only natural that Vania Romoff would go the same route to follow what has always been her passion.

“I see fashion design as grasping onto a thought, putting it out there, and seeing someone fall in love with that thought,” says Vania. “It’s such a beautiful thing.” She feels fortunate to have always known and understood her aesthetic; the first dress she sent down the runway for Philippine Fashion Week—a blush brocade cocktail dress with a big ribbon around the neck—still holds the same soul as her current garments.

She admires the work ethic of young designers who are thriving not just because they are pushing the parametres of design, but also because they acknowledge the need to change with the times by creating RTW lines. “I’m trying to pattern my business in such a way that I won’t get stuck as a bespoke atelier,” she adds. “Though it is important to stay true to my core, I also have to branch out and embrace the concept of e-commerce through my web shop. People are often online, so it’s an effective way of reaching out to customers.”

As she is getting married this year, Vania hopes to take some time off to enjoy being a wife as well as a mum to her one-year-old daughter. Once she’s back in the saddle, she’s looking to cross a few more items off her work list such as relaunching her website and setting up a brick and mortar shop. “There’s still a lot to learn,” she reflects. “The moment you stop because you feel you’re at the pinnacle, that’s the moment you get left behind. It’s a must that we always strive to be better versions of ourselves; if you’ve done a great collection, give yourself a pat on the back, but push yourself to make an even better one.”