Sparking Passion - From Disney Princesses to Sketching Savant
Glenn Andaya, a Calamba Laguna native, discovered her passion for fashion design at a young age. Immersed in the world of Disney princesses and Mexican telenovelas, she found inspiration to create stunning dresses for her classmates, filling empty notebooks with her artistic visions. Her innate talent and love for fashion set the stage for an extraordinary journey.
Nurturing Dreams - Apprentice Extraordinaire in Dubai
In pursuit of her dreams, Glenn enrolled in a two-year fashion design course in Manila after completing high school. In 2003, fate intervened when a Moroccan designer based in Dubai recognized her potential. Glenn embarked on her first professional job as a Fashion Designer Apprentice, managing the shop in the absence of the owner. Dubai became her creative playground, nurturing her skills and broadening her horizons.
Conquering Challenges - Bahrain and the Beauty of Arab Fashion
Seeking greater opportunities, Glenn set her sights on Bahrain, a land of growth in the fashion industry. Adjusting to the distinctive Arab fashion scene proved challenging at first. However, through perseverance and a hunger for knowledge, she delved into understanding Arab gowns and their cultural significance. Over time, Glenn mastered the art of blending her own style with the essence of Arab fashion, earning recognition and admiration from clients, including esteemed clients from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain's Royal Families.
Triumphs and Inspiration - Award-Winning Designs and Glamorous Collaborations
Glenn's creative brilliance shone brightly within the Circle of Filipino Fashion Designers (CFFD) in Bahrain. Her exceptional talent earned her numerous awards, including back-to-back victories at the Maskara Festival. One notable triumph was her captivating Queen of Africa gown, crafted entirely from recycled cassette tapes, inspired by a movie she watched with friends. Glenn's prowess extended beyond fashion shows, as she contributed to the glam team for the Ms. Philippine Bahrain grand winner, showcasing her ability to enhance beauty and style.
Pursuing Dreams - The Birth of "The Closet Fashion Design"
Feeling a sense of fulfillment and armed with vast knowledge and experience, Glenn made a challenging decision: to leave Bahrain and establish her own fashion empire. She set a personal goal to have her own company and stable career by the age of 40. Thus, "The Closet Fashion Design" was born. Specializing in wedding and evening dresses, Glenn's attention to intricate beadwork, fabric selection, and impeccable details became the hallmark of her creations.
Elevating Fashion - Celebrities, Collaborations, and Unique Materials
Glenn's talent and reputation soared as she designed for renowned celebrities such as Gigi de Lana and Annabelle Dela Cruz. Her membership in the Philippines Best Designers Group solidified her position as an esteemed figure in the industry. Notably, Glenn's innovation extended to designing gowns made from banana fibers produced by Musa Fabric, showcasing her commitment to sustainable fashion and promoting local resources.
Glenn's Advice to Aspiring Fashion Designers: Believe, Learn, and Master
Glenn's journey serves as an inspiration to future fashion designers. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, as confidence in oneself becomes the foundation for success. Embracing mistakes as valuable learning experiences is another crucial aspect of growth. Finally, Glenn highlights the significance of mastering one's craft, allowing aspiring designers to establish themselves in the industry based on their skills and expertise, rather than mere fame.
Glenn Manatad Andaya's path from a wide-eyed admirer of Disney princesses to an established fashion designer is a testament to her dedication, talent, and unyielding determination. With "The Closet Fashion Design," she continues to push the boundaries of creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
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