Filipino designer dresses Italian celebrities, including Gucci's granddaughter, for 2023 Cannes Film Festival
Chona Bacaoco got to shine in this year’s Cannes Film Festival after dressing up several Italian celebrities—including the great granddaughter of renowned designer and fashion icon Guccio Gucci.
The Ilongga designer shared with DZMM’s TeleRadyo her recent feat as a designer based in Italy who dressed up Drusilla Gucci for her red-carpet look in this world's most prestigious film gathering this year.
“Actually, I submitted my design, and I didn’t hear back for some time. I thought maybe she didn’t pick me, so I said I will just try again next time,” she told radio hosts Bernadette Sembrano and Winnie Cordero.
Because she got her mind into thinking that her work wasn’t selected by the prominent personality, it was a real shock for Chona when she was contacted again by Drusilla's team for some good news.
“And then five days before the Cannes Film Festival, they called me. ‘Chona, Drusilla picked you to be her designer for her red carpet exposure,’” she shared.
“I couldn't believe that someone like me [was selected to be the designer for Drusilla]. I still have a lot of things to learn in this industry. But dressing someone so iconic—her mom is a fashion critic—that actually scares me more than dressing the great-granddaughter of Gucci,” she continued.
Aside from Drusilla, Chona shared that she also designed clothes for several Italian celebrities and famous personalities such as blogger Mila Suarez and influencer Selvaggia Roma.
Chona established her Italy-based fashion brand MM Milano after working for three years at a modeling agency.
She said dressing celebrities for the Cannes Film Festival is such an honor, especially since it was her first time taking part in the event.
“It’s like a turning point for my career professionally and also for me personally. I am still dreaming. It is really happening that they are recognizing Filipino talent here,” she said. “I think we’re making history at this moment.”
“Last February, I also did a fashion show with Michael Cinco here in Milan. It’s the first-ever Milan fashion week of Michael Cinco, which I produced. I was so honored that he trusted me,” Chona said.
Born and raised in Guimaras, Chona shared that she was exposed to fashion since she was young, given that her mother was a dressmaker.
Looking back on her journey, Chona reminded everyone who dreams of taking the same path to “keep on dreaming [and] don’t lose hope. We can do it in God’s perfect time.”