HAPPY ENDINGS
HAPPY ANDRADA - GRAS
As a fashion designer, Happy V. Andrada is certainly no stranger to accolades. Andrada’s extensive list of accomplishments include: the “Ani Ng Dangal” in Visual
Art 2018 from the National Commission of Culture and
Arts; an International Artist of the Year 2017 award from the International Fashion Art Biennale (Seoul, Korea); the International Emerging Designer award at the 2012 Miami International Fashion Week; two major wins from the 3rd Asian Weddings and Arts Competition in Hong Kong; the grand prize at Swatch’s My Rabbit Story; and Smart Choice winner of the Weaving The Future competition by the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (which she is a member of).
The multi-awarded designer took up fashion courses at Central Saint Martins in London and has been an unstoppable force in the fashion world since.
Andrada is known for her masterful use of material and penchant for unique, complex detailing in her creations, which have been perennial showstoppers during Philippine Fashion week since she first joined in 2006.
Currently, Andrada is busy with her eponymous fashion label, which specializes in bespoke designer and prêt-à-porter (readyto-wear or RTW) bridal gowns and dressing robes for brides and their entourages.
“Always busy—[the] clock is always ticking. I balance my time with meeting with clients, fittings, creating, and events,” says Andrada of her typical workday.
While she develops an RTW line that is designed to balance wearability with her vision, Andrada also continuously creates statement pieces that are inspired from her travels all over the world. In addition to designing, the prolific Andrada has also delved deep into fashion styling and makeup artistry as extensions of her creativity.
“Fashion designers are there, they could also help style you. Trust your designers, we want you to look your best. I love to make my clients to be beautiful, happy, and stress free on their big day!” Andrada advises.
Andrada’s dedication to her craft has earned her a steady following of loyal customers, while she continues to rack up awards and join shows both locally and abroad. Andrada was awarded “Inspiring Young Entrepreneur” by Go Negosyo and has also represented the Philippines and her design talents in countless showcases, including London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Mercedes-benz Fashion Week in Amsterdam, Fashion and Art Exhibition in Beijing, China (2013), Women’s Wear Daily Convention in Las Vegas (2013), Arts and Fashion Week in Toronto, Canada (2012), Top Style Designer event in Czech Republic (2012), Fashion Art Exhibit in Netherlands (2011), Animax featured designer in Singapore, Korea’s International Fashion Art Biennale (2010, 2012) Japan’s Fashion Design Competition (2012) and showcases in Rome and Milan (2014). To date, she has participated in over 50 fashion shows.
Currently, Andrada has shifted her focus on bridal wear, imbuing elements of elegance, romance, and sophistication into her designs. Using a variety of fabrics like charmeuse silk, organza, French lace, satin, tulle, and silk chiffon, Andrada’s pieces feature delicately handcrafted details, flamboyant cuts, minimalist designs and draped robes that accommodate varying body shapes and personal tastes. While aimed at brides, her timelessly chic creations can also be used for everyday wear.
“I always collaborate with my clients—we meet halfway. I always make sure that they would be happy and that the clients would get quality service and creations,” explains Andrada, whose thriving design business has catered to local celebrity clients like Say Alonzo, Camille Co, and Kryz Uy.
Andrada encourages clients to opt for designers that can create one-of-a-kind pieces that would make them stand out on their big day, as opposed to mass-manufactured RTW gowns.
“With our business, I provide my clients quality service—i collaborate [with them] and personally assist them. I make sure all my clients are happy with the clothing and accessories that we produce. All our creations are made by a hardworking, passionate team that creates pieces with love,” guarantees Andrada.