Rustan’s showcases female designers for Women’s Month
ANY WOMAN knows that a well-planned wardrobe can be a factor for self-confidence and success. This is why the fashion industry is driven by women — with designs that are made to fit and flatter the feminine form, as well as the personalities of fellow women who wear them.
This month, Philippine upmarket department store Rustan’s turns the spotlight on its female designers, whose brands are built on something more than fabrics that are sewn together: outfits that are made to empower wearers through their creativity and fine craftsmanship.
PASSIONS IN FASHION
It was an entrepreneurial spirit and a can-do attitude that has launched Carissa Cruz-Evangelista’s Beatriz brand to local and international attention.
Her luxe and modern accessories have been featured in prestigious international fashion publications, and has won a Katha Award, but her biggest reward is being able to raise the livelihood levels of women in underprivileged communities who craft her items using local and recycled materials.
“Being a woman means raising a tribe aside from hoisting yourself up from the bootstraps and believing in your dreams rain or shine,” said Ms. Cruz-Evangelista in a company press release.
Criselda Lontok’s designs have long been the go-to for women who want to express their individual style within the sphere of classic fashion pieces.
“I believe that my designs have given confidence to my female clients. They have become confident not only in themselves, but also in giving compliments to other women. Having them feel beautiful and elegant at all times is my personal mission,” said Ms. Lontok before adding that the brand also has “highly competent and loyal female employees” who helped make the brand what it is now.
Chiara Ferragni is the creative force behind her pop shoe brand Chiara Ferragni Collection.
She started out as an Instagram personality who channelled her creativity towards building her footwear brand that carries her fun sense of style.
Susan Parker and Erika Rosenfeld of Bari Jay took over their father bridal shop business when he passed away, keeping with them his lessons on hands-on hard work, and keeping up with trends in the bridal fashion industry.
Karen Kane’s designs are all about timelessness and offering women the easier choice, guided by the unwavering belief that women should feel beautiful and comfortable, always. Jewelry brand Carolee is committed to help women love themselves. Their choice of former model and self-love advocate Phoebe Pojo of the “Models That Eat” movement on Instagram as the face of Carolee is a reflection of their dedication to lead others towards their own journeys to break free from the expectations of society.
Cyd Beard of Finders Keepers brought her Aussie style to a global platform by believing in the power of women—80% of their employees are female and they have made it their mission to celebrate women and the female form.
“We thrive to promote confidence and make women feel beautiful whenever she is wearing Finders Keepers,” said Ms. Beard.
Designing doyenne Josie Natori, whose global brand of loungewear and lingerie has captivated the fashion world for its combination of comfort in sleek, luxurious, and alluring designs, is knownn to incorporate her Asian aesthetic and work ethics into her line.
After growing up in a household where the women are trained to be entrepreneurial and to ‘never rely on a man,’ her mantra today is ‘always evolve—never become complacent.’
Behind every Tali product is a special woman who creates it by hand, in the tradition of true craftsmanship. Its co-founders, Liza Morales Crespo and Marielle de Leon-Lazaro, represent the new wave of social entrepreneurs that merge quality production and design with the principles of sustainability.
“Our collections draw inspiration from the ethnic tribal patterns unique to the Philippines, symbolizing a long tradition of independent, empowered women. Bag shapes and designs are versatile pieces that reflect the modern lifestyle of the Tali woman,” said Ms. Morales Crespo.
Viajecito was born out of a common passion for traveling, and unique finds shared by three enterprising women, infused with a desire to create cool and modern pieces and modified with a personal touch.
Marla Aquino-Batallones, Pia Ugarte GarciaMorera, and Marta Garcia-Morera, the women behind the brand, offer products that are made with the fashionable traveller in mind.
“We believe women empowerment has a lot to do with the freedom of self-expression. Fashion choices are an extension of one’s personality, a form of self-expression. We hope that we encourage other women, through the use of our products, to be comfortable and confident in whatever form of expression they choose,” said the brand in the release.