Andrea Tetangco: Statement of a woman

“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.

The past 12 months have been one of breakthroughs for Tetangco, as she unlocked several career highs. At the top of her list was the opportunity to present her Spring / Summer 2025 collection, “Whispers Of Summer,” at New York Fashion Week in September. The show put her on the global map, earning rave reviews for her designs. This gave Tetangco the extra boost she needed to make her biggest leap of fate yet. And just in time for the holiday season!

In November, Tetangco opened her ultra-chic new atelier space on the third floor of Kirov Tower at Proscenium, Rockwell. It took three years from ideation to reality, as she built up the confidence for such a major life change. “I’ve been eyeing this space since 2021, but I was working up the courage to do it,” she recalls. “I moved even my production. It was a big thing, but the birthing pains were going to be worth it.” The choice of location was a strategic one, bringing her closer to her clients. “Makati is the fashion capital. The demographic here really goes to events. The fashionistas,” Tetangco explains further. “Moving to Rockwell positions my brand to a discerning audience, offering an opportunity to expand my reach, and elevate the brand’s prestige.” The experience was bittersweet though, as it meant closing down the original Wack Wack space.

The new Andrea Tetangco atelier reflects her own personal style — stylish, elegant, but still fun. Designed to inspire and delight, it features a dedicated consultation area where she dreams up beautiful dresses with her clients. On the other side of the shop, Tetangco showcases her newest baby — a ready-to-wear collection that speaks volumes in the style department, but keeps it classy and chic. Of this, the designer says, “My silhouettes are classic and timeless, but designed to make a statement. It’s still your style, but it will look effortless,” she says while browsing through the racks. “My goal is that when you wear these pieces, you will look and feel confident when you go out. And people will notice you, without you even trying.” This is an easy space for Tetangco to navigate, as it is also how she likes to dress. “Depending on my mood, I can wear something timeless, but I make it fun by adding something edgy and unique. Never boring,” she adds.

Seventeen years after opening her first shop, Andrea Tetangco is living the dream. Only the first few pages of this new chapter have been written, and she is focused on what lies ahead. “I want to see more women wearing Andrea Tetangco when they go out,” says the designer. “I want them to feel this — ‘I am a woman who knows my worth, celebrates my uniqueness and embraces sophistication in every aspect of my life.” As she looks around her new atelier, Tetangco is reminded of the promise she made herself as a young girl — “I knew I wanted to be successful” — and knows that because of her hard work and determination, she made this dream come true.