Tags: Creative Collaborations in Manila Philippines Arts & Crafts Designer Fashion Gabbie Sarenas Lifestyle Blog Lifestyle Blogger Lifestyle Blogger in Manila Philippines Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Mommy blogger Mommy blogger in Manila Philippines Philippine Fashion SoFA Style
Thirty-year old artist, Gabbie Sarenas, wears her heart on her sleeve — design-wise, so it seems. Her penchant and love for Filipino ethnicity is evident in playful sleeves, which have become the focal point of most of her designs that impressed the fashion authority. Top style glossies have featured her as a new designer to watch, highlighting her compositions using traditional Filipino and modern fabrics, as well as her striking display of Filipino folklore through stitching and embroidery. In other notable collections, Gabbie stretches her imagination by adding layers and texture to ready-to-wear dresses and two-piece creations, while staying true to her design aesthetics.
According to Gabbie, it took her time to establish her name in the fashion industry and the world, after graduating from SoFA Design Institute in Manila and taking up summer courses at L’Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris. “I knew I wanted to come up with something completely unique to me, and I needed a steady and resounding voice, so to speak.” After some period of conceptualizing and revamping her brand platforms, she eventually gravitated towards her own Filipino roots. Weaving together myths and tales of the old from her Davaoeño father and her mom from Luzon, she was able to create her own identity with eclectic and signature needlework adorning meticulously styled fabric and silhouettes.
Photo courtesy of Gabbie Sarenas
“I have always wanted to showcase and reinforce the Filipino culture, simply through my work. I personally love traditional pieces and I’ve been inspired by all kinds of art for as long as I can remember. As I started to create my own brand, I already envisioned my capsule collection to consist of one silhouette with cutouts of piña/pineapple fabric that’s also embroidered with Filipino folklore characters. It’s like transforming traditional costumes into ready-to-wear blouses and everyday pieces.”
“My team collaborates with different communities and Filipino artists by championing their specialty. My creative process always tackles how I can incorporate tradition and culture into contemporary fashion. Then, I draw out the fabric and embroidery according to the concept and theme. I try and tell a story through each piece — the most accurate, effective and romantic way I could.”
Photo courtesy of Gabbie Sarenas
Gabbie adds softness to utilitarian silhouettes through relaxed tailoring and breathable fabrics. Most of her designs can be worn separately and casually, adding a fresh and feminine touch to other custom-made creations, as well as prêt-à-porter classics and edgy pieces.
All the hard work and dedication first paid off when opportunity came for her to work with icons such as Jo Ann Bitagcol and retail magnates such as Hindy Weber – Tantoco, who played a significant role in shaping her as an entrepreneur and a creative individual.
Photo courtesy of Gabbie Sarenas
In 2014, Gabbie joined a competition organized by the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines and received a special award for her collection which followed the theme of ‘Today’s Terno’. Two years after, she took center stage twice at the Manila Fashion Festival, and was invited to be one of the featured designers in notable trunk shows and artisanal fairs — all of which paved the way for her to get noticed by local media and the big names in the industry. Her growing popularity gained international traction and she scored an invitation to showcase her work at the Vancouver Fashion Week in March 2017.
Photo courtesy of Gabbie Sarenas
Gabbie remains humble despite all the success and attention. “I consider myself a young designer who still have much to learn. I want to keep the creativity and passion alive by expanding my knowledge and experience, in different ways and means. Over time, I’ve learned that you need not rush to make your own mark in the industry. It will come at your own time.”
Find out more about Gabbie and her designs by checking her Instagram account, @gabbisarenasph.
Photos courtesy of Gabbie Sarenas.
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Story published on my newspaper column in Edge Davao.
