Filipino designers aspire to do their country proud in a highly competitive global landscape. Having space under the international spotlight is tough as one goes up against competition of brilliance, excellence and commerce.
Through the decades, many outstanding Filipino artists have risen as they showcased the best of our artistry. Respected names such as Natori, Rafe, Bea Valdes, Monique Lhuillier, Lesley Mobo and Celestina have gained global relevance as they represent and showcase contemporary Pinoy fashion. In the local industry, they have become the epitome of design and style — an inspiration to the multitude of people who dream of making it abroad and hopefully be immortalized in history. Today, soon to join the elite list of flag bearers, is a new name to be proclaimed in the international fashion scene — Joaniqué.
Six years ago, former top model and interior designer Malou Romero decided to pursue her passion for jewelry and accessories, thus, Joaniqué (named after her kids Joaquin and Monique) was born. Known for beautiful handmade pieces in luxe settings with semi-precious and natural stones, the designer dreamed of bringing her creations to the international market. Through hard work, determination and perseverance, the accessories brand has consistently been participating in prestigious fashion trade shows in the last four years.
Joaniqué’s contemporary, edgy and artisanal pieces have been featured thrice in French Vogue online and have landed on the pages of British Vogue, Vogue Nippon and British Elle. This year marked a major achievement for Romero as last March, the brand was accepted and participated in the pinnacle of all fashion trade shows, the globally prestigious Premiere Classe in Paris. This trade show features thousands of up-and-coming and renowned names who dream of having a spot season after season.
Last October, the brand added another feather in its cap as it participated in both Pitti Super (Milan) and Premiere Classe (second season) to re-affirm its growing presence in the international scene as one of the names to watch in fashion. Joaniqué’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection entitled “Maskara” (inspired by Bacolod’s famous festival of masks) has gotten attention from the press and industry insiders.
Brilliant designs of handmade faces set in luxurious metals and stones showcased in a range of practical accessories have captivated both exhibitors, buyers and visitors from all over the world. But what also took the spotlight was Romero’s recently launched bag collection. The outstanding hand-carved and hand-painted masterpieces made from acacia with detachable chain sling put a smile on everyone’s face. The distinct artisan masterpieces are reflective of modern design, authenticity and Filipino culture and tradition.
In Milan, the collection caught the discerning eye of Vogue Italia and Le Collezioni while in Paris it was Citizen K and one of the bibles in global fashion — WGSN. To date, the premier institution in international forecasting and trending revealed four of Joanique’s masterpieces as part of the trends to watch in Spring/Summer ‘16.
Four years of hard work is slowly starting to pay off for this designer. Taking part in these international exhibitions and being pitted against big players in the game are not easy. From traveling distant shores to carrying loads of luggage to setting up the booth is physically challenging. Standing for 10 hours with your best foot forward and sounding like a reverse play recorder over and over again for four consecutive days can take a toll on your emotional and psychological makeup. We have yet to factor in here the designer’s confidence and drive to face the biggest fashion buyers, magazine editors/press and “influencers” in global retail.
But passion has driven Romero to reap the recognition Joaniqué is currently experiencing. Unfazed by these challenges, the proud Filipino brand is destined to have a space under the spotlight.
Today, Joaniqué faces with optimism a new challenge — to do its best in creating contemporary design, raise a self-imposed high level of standard in craftsmanship/workmanship and consistently promote to the world the astounding work of Filipino artistry. The current high altitude of media exposure has modestly inspired the brand towards a directive of consistency in global excellence. Constant awareness and presence in the international market is shaping a refreshing consciousness in local fashion as it exemplifies the global Filipina.
Trade show photos of Milan and Paris by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Campaign photography by Ronnie Salvacion • Styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Makeup by Krist Bansuelo • Model: Kim Ross (Mercator)