“Timeless is about the quality of the work. It takes years to master the craft — the fabrics, the silhouettes, the designs. It’s about giving women confidence through what they wear.” This is the philosophy that drives designer Andrea Tetangco with each piece that comes out of her atelier. Where the style statement is effortlessly chic, with a hint of je ne sais quoi. With the opening of her swanky new atelier in the heart of Makati, Tetangco is excited for this new chapter in her design journey.

It was 2007, and Tetangco was barely out of school. The one thing she knew for sure at the time was “I wanted to be successful, and in doing so, inspire people.” The question was how. “My sister Ciara became one of my mentors. She encouraged me to do different things, saying to me, ‘why don’t you?’ and to keep at it until I found what I really wanted to do,” explains the designer. Discovering a passion for designs celebrating the female form, Tetangco found her sweet spot working in fashion, enrolling at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, then taking courses at Central Saint Martin in London. “This was what I wanted to do. I was good at it, but I still wanted to get better,” Tetangco explains. She also turned to fashion designer Veejay Floresca for advice on sewing techniques and tricks of the trade, adding “You don’t learn everything in school.”

Armed with a new set of skills, passion for fashion design and a drive to succeed, Tetangco opening her first atelier in Wack Wack. It would be her homebase for the next 17 years, building the Andrea Tetangco brand, which has become synonymous with refined sophistication, elegance and modern femininity. Her bespoke pieces have a loyal following, with a veritable who’s who list of celebrities and VIPs. “Many of my clients know what they want. It’s all about creating clothes that make them feel something when they wear it. To empower them,” she points out. Her ethereal wedding gowns have also become a favorite of many stylish modern brides. As she did before, Tetangco’s sister Ciara stepped up to help set up the atelier’s business side.