Katya Fricke Lichauco: Designing one thoughtful piece at a time

For Katya Fricke Lichauco, fashion has always been quietly stitched into her life. As a child, she played dress-up not only with herself but with her dolls—earning the affectionate nickname “Dolly”—often matching outfits with her mother and styling her American Girl dolls in looks of her own creation. By six, she was already sketching designs in journals signed “Couture by Katya.” Shy and observant, fashion became less a classroom pursuit and more a personal language—one that evolved alongside her sense of self.

Today at 28, Katya brings that lifelong intuition into Simonita, her emerging resortwear and accessories brand. Feminine silhouettes, bold yet flattering prints, and a balance of classic and playful define her aesthetic. She loves contrasts—high and low, timeless yet bold—a sensibility shaped by years of experimentation and travel.

Annual family trips to beach destinations—from the Greek islands and the Amalfi Coast to Bali, Siargao, and Hawaii—became her greatest source of inspiration. Katya observed how local women dressed, discovered small boutiques, and collected pieces that later sparked ideas for her own designs. What began as imagination turned into intention during a trip to Italy, when she felt an undeniable pull to finally begin. Over the next year, she sourced fabrics and trims from her travels, researched local suppliers, and slowly brought Simonita to life.

By profession, Katya is a writer and editor with two published books on feminism in the Philippines. She has worked in marketing and product development, and now serves as APAC chief of staff to a global angel investor focused on women and underrepresented founders. Empowerment has always been the common thread—now expressed through pieces designed to make women feel confident and at ease.

Simonita is named after her cat Simone, her constant companion and silent witness to late-night sourcing sessions and fabric sorting. Outside of work, Katya finds joy in cooking with her boyfriend, traveling with family, and leaning on friends who championed her brand from the start.