Fashion in bloom
In a sun-dappled garden setting, four designers came together for a fashion presentation and luncheon benefiting the Sunshine Club’s feeding and learning program.
Aptly titled “Legacy in Bloom,” the show carried a personal touch—the models were daughters and granddaughters of members of the Makati Garden Club, lending the afternoon a warm, familial spirit. The intergenerational presence brought the theme to life, as style and storytelling passed gracefully from one generation to the next.
Blending fashion with purpose, each designer presented collections rooted in personal narratives and a shared reverence for Filipino craftsmanship—proving that fashion can be both beautiful and meaningful.
Camille Villanueva: The art of understated elegance
Camille Villanueva’s journey began with a love for vintage. At 22, she opened her boutique, Baul, inspired by her grandmother’s and mother’s Sixties dresses. When pieces became scarce, she began designing her own—quickly selling out and prompting her to study at Central Saint Martins in London at 26. Camille developed a signature aesthetic that is understated, feminine and cosmopolitan, working with breathable fabrics. Creating versatile pieces for women on the go, she co-founded Camlu, known for its understated, feminine and cosmopolitan style.
Ruby Roa: Reviving heritage with purpose
Ruby Roa’s work is deeply rooted in heritage. Her journey began with Habi: The Philippine Textile Council, founded by Maribel Ongpin, where preserving handwoven cotton textiles inspired innovation. Faced with surplus materials, Ruby and her peers transformed traditional weaves into modern silhouettes—from blouses to accessories—breathing new life into Filipino textiles. She champions authenticity while safeguarding tradition and is particularly vocal about maintaining the elegance of the terno, resisting alterations that compromise its form. Her work reflects a commitment to honoring Filipino identity while evolving thoughtfully.
Twinkle Ferraren: Slow fashion, soulful living
Twinkle Ferraren’s path was shaped early by exposure to retail and design. Growing up around her mother’s Greenbelt shops, she developed a flair for styling, later crafting accessories using indigenous materials. She studied in London, where homesickness inspired her resort and swimwear line rooted in the Philippines’ coastal beauty. She worked closely with artisan communities and embraced traditional textiles. Today, Twinkle follows a “slow fashion” philosophy—creating artisanal pieces that reflect nature’s rhythms. Her work mirrors a more intentional lifestyle grounded in sustainability and craft.
Alessandra Perez Rubio Loverde: Modern mestiza, timeless spirit
For Alessandra Perez Rubio, fashion has always been a form of self-expression. From childhood, she delighted in styling herself, eventually co-founding Mestiza at 27 with her college friend Louisa Rechter. Without a traditional mentor, she honed her craft through experience, trusting her instincts along the way. Her designs are joyful yet refined, featuring florals and prints developed in-house. Alessandra creates pieces that balance elegance with ease. For her, fashion is about how clothing makes one feel—designs meant to hold memories and be worn across seasons.
Bringing together craftsmanship, personal history and purpose, the garden presentation showed how fashion can uplift communities—one thoughtful creation at a time.
