MANILA, Philippines - Simple cuts with sure sense of style and aesthetic that defines the designs of Maureen Disini. To describe her label is to portray the fashion designer herself — a simple, non-intimidating woman with a goddess silhouette.
Hers is one of the newest but fast-rising names in the flashy field of fashion design, and it is all because of her sheer dedication to her work. “I’ve only been designing for eight months now. I’ve been working for long hours, six days a week. It’s fulfilling. I really like what I’m doing now,” she says.
Using light fabrics with luxurious feel, Maureen strives to create pieces that make women look good and feel good. “It’s pretty much understated and effortless. I make simple clothes that are easy to wear, comfortable and last from one season to another,” she adds. Graceful drapes, goddess-like, form the fluid theme of her recent collection.
The biggest challenge for her is having to straddle two worlds, one as a creative artist and the other as a businesswoman. She enjoys it, though. This 33-year-old lady has a huge heart for challenges that the word “dare” could best fit as her middle name. In fact, she used to be a fashion editor of a local magazine. “It was an easy transition. When I decided to study fashion design, I wanted to still be part of the (print) industry. The clients that I have now are former colleagues and friends of friends from the industry.” She just wasn’t sure if she could really be a designer because, according to her, she really couldn’t draw before. “Through school and hard work, I learned. It took me so many months!”
She took up Diploma in Fashion and Design and Patternmaking at Istituto di Moda Burgo in Milan in 2009 and just last year, she finished a certificate course in Fashion Business at Istituto Marangoni in Paris. The love of learning and traveling is intrinsic in Maureen. She gets inspiration from the books she reads and expositions she sees. It follows why she is also fond of learning new languages — she knows Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese and some German!
Part of her plan this year is to fly to London to study vintage bridal wear. When that happens, expect Maureen’s creations up again on the runway and watch a classical “fascinator” step up to yet another level.
Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Creative direction
by LUIS ESPIRITU, JR. • Styling by MIKKA VELASQUEZ • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Hairstyling by TERESA MATIC •
Lilac halter top and pastel pink asymmetrical drape top
by MAUREEN DISINI • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS •
Shot on location at the DIAMOND HOTEL PHILIPPINES • Special thanks to the management and staff of Diamond Hotel Philippines