This White Kitten roars

Once there was a young designer who showcased her collection during the Philippine Fashion Week. Her labor of love was just starting to grow with numerous features from magazines and newspapers until an invitation from Down Under came. Knowing it was once in a lifetime, she decided to take it. That designer is none other than Pia Gladys Perey.

Perey was invited by the organizers of the Australian Fashion Week to show her collection in Sydney from her line White Kitten. In an e-mail interview, she shares the experience of showcasing her collection, the chances of Filipinos to make it Down Under and the stars she would like to see in her dresses.

A young designer from Tagaytay...

Raised in Tagaytay City by her grandmother, Perey said that at an early age, she was already into fashion.

“I was exposed to fashion because instead of playing, I would watch her make patterns and sew clothes.  It was my Mama Joe’s favorite hobby, making clothes for us.  I have been designing clothes since I was 19, so for10 years now,” she said.

Before putting up her line, Perey worked for various companies such as Spencer, Speedo and Kashieca. She was also involved in the mass producing business for clothing lines such as Freeway, Solo, Folded and Hung and Ensembles.

She then put up White Kitten, which was established three years ago. On the name, Perey says, “For me white means purity and innocence while kitten suggests sensuality and sexiness and what my line is about –– effortless sexiness but not over the top. I also call my little girl kuting.”

Perey says that a woman wearing a White Kitten outfit “knows how to appreciate elegance and individuality, who is confident and resilient.  She is sensitive but bold, playful and passionate, stylish but socially aware.  Our slogan is sweet, sensual, sophisticated –– those are the characteristics of a woman who wears white kitten.”

The Calling from Down Under...

Despite getting the attention of fashion magazines and doing the Philippine Fashion week for the past two years, Perey moved her business to Australia. What made her decide to move Down Under?

“I was invited by Australian Fashion Week to volunteer and be an attending designer (to observe). I looked at it as an opportunity.  After that, my partner (Daniel Placido), who is based in Sydney, thought it would be good if I launch my line since fashion week organizers really liked it,” she said.

Perey says that showcasing her collection to an international crowd is quite different from her experience in Philippine Fashion week.

As one of two Filipino designers who showcased in the Sydney Fashion Week, how did she feel and how did the crowd react to her collection?

“It is indeed a very good experience and definitely an honor.  I know Valerie Tolosa participates in the Melbourne Fashion Week, while I participate in Sydney Fashion Week.  Feedback has been good, some of my clothes were already featured in magazines and newspapers and I received a handsome amount of attention from buyers,” Perey said.

On her collection for the Philippine and Australian shows, Perey says, “This season, I picked up an inspiration I had about three years ago –– drapes. For my evening wear which was featured in PFW (Philippine Fashion Week), I once again  fell in love with the elegance and timelessness brought by one of my more favored subjects in high school –– Greek Mythology. Of course it can’t be all about Venus, Athena and Troy, I have added the White Kitten trademark in every piece of this collection. A bit of twist and a bit of sexiness.  For my daywear (featured in Australian Fashion Week), I still have the bows, the baby dolls, the pleats and the blocks, things a lady will never get tired of –– all made in metallic voile for that staple look and bit of oomph.”

Perey is proud in saying that all of her fabrics came from the Philippines.

“All of my fabrics are from the Philippines, all Philippine-made.  I would like to continue manufacturing in the Philippines.  As for my designs, they are very summery, our tropical weather is definitely an inspiration.  I would like to think that my designs are a reflection of a Filipina –– sexy yet subtle.”

Back and forth...

Since she has been based in Sydney, Perey says that she tries to go back to the country every three to six months since her family is based here but that is all about to change soon.

“My son is in the Philippines so I want to see him as much as I can.  As a matter of fact, I will move back to the Philippines for a while to open my store, so watch out.”

She counts Monique Lhuillier as one of her favorite designers along with Versace, Sass and Bide, Phillip Lim, the designers of Rag and Bone, and the designers behind the new brand 6267. “They used to work for BCBG and now launched their own line,” Perey said.

And for those who dream big of making it to the international fashion scene, Perey has this to say: “Be organized. Things are very different in the international scene.  For me to sell my range for winter next year, which is a year from now, I have to have finished my designs and samples by now. So, research, research, research and analyze trends. Believe in your brand, there is big market waiting for your style. Have a good sales and PR agent to represent your label.  Lastly, strike while the iron is hot!”

From magazine features to Sydney Fashion Week, Pia Gladys Perey has definitely proven that Filipino fashion is on top of the world –– even from Down Under.

(For more information on Pia Perey’s clothes, you may visit her website www.whitekitten.com.au. )