Tags: creative collaborations in Davao City Philippines Davao designers Edge Davao Fashion Fashion design Fashion designer in the Philippines Kethley Uy Lifestyle Blogger in Manila Philippines Love local Maizy Colleen Maizy Colleen Tan Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Mommy blogger in Manila Philippines Philippine Fashion Philippine products
Cultural immersion is Maizy Colleen Tan’s passport to the world of fashion. Shortly after finishing design school, she set her foot on new territories to learn the ropes of the industry and find creative inspiration.
“My experience in Dubai, as a junior fashion designer, taught me how to manage and maximize resources available,” shared the young designer. “Materials like Swarovski stones, fabrics, and laser cut patterns are at your disposal. It gave me the luxury for creative play. Most important of all, it taught me how to adapt to different style preferences of each nationality, and find balance between classic pieces and trends.”
Photography: Kethley Uy of Kethley Uy Photography | Model: Cecilia P. Reta | Hair and Make up: Beautybibliotheque by Colleen | Designer: Hey Colleen by Maizy Colleen | Shoot Location: Bondi and Bourke Davao
“After 2 years in the Middle East, I decided to come home to Davao City and open my own atelier. I’ve been making custom made bridal and evening gowns for 2 years now.”
Maizy’s career continues to flourish, but she makes sure to find time for her two other passions: travel and photography.
Photography: Kethley Uy of Kethley Uy Photography | Model: Cecilia P. Reta | Hair and Make up: Beautybibliotheque by Colleen | Designer: Hey Colleen by Maizy Colleen | Shoot Location: Bondi and Bourke Davao
“As an artist, I am inspired mostly by people and places. I love photography, and, when I feel I lack inspiration, I revisit old travel photos or go people-watching. It helps because it opens my eyes to appreciate different style aesthetics and see culture celebrated in colors and textures.”
Photography: Kethley Uy of Kethley Uy Photography | Model: Cecilia P. Reta | Hair and Make up: Beautybibliotheque by Colleen | Designer: Hey Colleen by Maizy Colleen | Shoot Location: Bondi and Bourke Davao
Her recent travels led her to venture into creating ready-to-wear pieces under her new line called “Hey Colleen”, taking abstract and literal cues from scenic panoramas, offbeat places and tourist hotspots. This passion project is a design story of her love for travel and fashion.
“I gather fabric from different destinations and create ready-to-wear pieces out of them. My first collection is inspired by India – a country that celebrates intricate beading and bright colors!”
Photography: Kethley Uy of Kethley Uy Photography | Model: Cecilia P. Reta | Hair and Make up: Beautybibliotheque by Colleen | Designer: Hey Colleen by Maizy Colleen | Shoot Location: Bondi and Bourke Davao
“The silhouettes are simple, but I experimented on using Indian Tapestry and hand-stamped cotton fabric. My goal is to keep the styles as authentic as possible – so it can tell the stories of the people and places.”
Maizy is planning a trunk show to feature other styles she is working on, and her current designs are now available for pre-order through @heycolleen on Facebook and Instagram.
Story also published on my Metro Mom column in Edge Davao newspaper.
