Page 136 - Philippine Tatler (April 2019)

PHILIPPINES

PIMDAO SUKHAHUTA

Fashion designer Pimdao likes to keep it in the family. A
graduate of the Parsons School of Design, she is the creative
force behind Sretsis, the womenswear brand she founded
with her two sisters, Kly and Matina (Sretsis is “sisters” spelt
backwards). The brand, which has stores in Tokyo and
Bangkok, crafts whimsical, feminine silhouettes with modern,
quirky twists. Pimdao is married to Pierre-Alexandre Darbois,
who works for the company as its international sales and
business development manager.

LEONORA LUISA (LEN) CABILI

It was a cancer diagnosis that motivated this former fashion stylist
to follow her dream of becoming a designer. Founded in 2010, her
label, Filip + Inna, employs craftsmen from local indigenous tribes
to create intricate hand-beaded and embroidered pieces that recall
traditional Filipino dress. This year, the brand will launch a diffusion
line called F + I. Len was a mentor at last year’s TernoCon, a fashion
competition spearheaded by the Cultural Centre of the Philippines
that champions the country’s national dress.

ORAWAN SETABANDHU

Considered one of Bangkok’s most stylish
women, designer and entrepreneur Orawan has
loved fashion since she was a child.
She studied at the London College
of Fashion and later founded her
contemporary jewellery brand,
Olivia Diamonds. To make her
creations more accessible to
younger generations, Orawan
recently launched a diffusion
accessory line, OLVD by Olivia
Diamonds, and a line

AMINA ARANAZ-ALUNAN of good luck charms
called Leila Amulets.
One of the Philippines’ most recognised designers, Amina Half the profits
celebrates the 20th anniversary of her accessories brand, Aranaz from each amulet
this year. Known for its artisanal bags handmade from fibres such sold are donated
as straw, abaca, and raffia, the label—founded by Amina, her to charity. Last
mother Becky, and sister Rosanna—goes global this year, with its year, the mother
latest collection available through Joyce, Bergdorf Goodman, and of two opened
Moda Operandi. Her designs have been spotted on the arms of No 209, a spa
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. offering remedial
In addition to her career as a designer, Amina co-founded Makati and slimming
City’s School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFa), now known as the massage
SoFa Design Institute, and works as its executive director. therapies.

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