Viña Romero champions intentional living

Amidst the fast-changing trends in the world of fashion, Viña Romero stands out as a designer who weaves artistry, heritage and sustainability into every piece she creates.

“I’m someone who is passionate, determined, and always looking for ways to improve, whether it’s in my work or in my personal life,” Viña shared.

Her artistic journey took flight when she pursued a degree in AB Fashion Design and Merchandising at the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. Despite initial self-doubt to join the lauded 2014 Look of Style Awards, her bold enter and eventually win became a turning point.

“That experience turned things around for me, boosting my confidence to become a full-time designer and make clothes for a living,” she recalled.

During her sophomore year, Romero had the fortunate opportunity to intern with SM Men’s Fashion, a pivotal step in her career.

“It was an eye-opening experience, exposing me to various aspects of the fashion industry – to include merchandising, supply chain management, and marketing,” she recounted. “They not only spoke highly of my work ethic, but also provided valuable work-related referrals, which led to word-of-mouth recommendations.”

Viña’s work reflects a deep respect for Filipino heritage and a passion for sustainability. Her eponymous brand specializes in piña-seda from Aklan and weaves from Antique. These are transformed into contemporary designs which celebrate Filipino craftsmanship while supporting domestic communities.

“Working with locally produced materials is especially fulfilling for me. I love the challenge of taking traditional fabrics and transforming them into something that feels relevant and wearable in today’s world,” she explained.

She also embraces innovation in her material choices. Her recent work includes a twill fabric made from 10 percent pineapple fiber and 90 percent recycled polyester, sourced from a manufacturer in Laguna.

“With a tribute to our heritage, it beautifully combines sustainability. Its understated beauty captures the harmony between tradition and modern progress,” she said.

One signature element of her creations is hand-pin-tucked fabric, a painstakingly crafted textile that takes around a whopping 20 hours to produce just three yards! “This labor-intensive process is one of the reasons we incorporate patchwork details in our designs. Each piece of our hand-pin-tucked fabric is truly a labor of sheer patience and undying love.”

The designer’s inspiration stems from a mix of personal memories and professional aspirations. Growing up, she admired her mother’s skill in sewing bespoke clothes. “I began to appreciate not only the artistry of dressing well, but also the value of custom-fitted clothes — the way they truly transform the wearer.”

“I also design clothes I can envision myself wearing — pieces that allow me to embrace who I am, with or without my insecurities,” she says.

While neutral tones dominate her palette, Viña uses subtle pops of color to create intrigue and depth. “Neutral tones have a timeless, seasonless quality that allows textures and unique design elements take center stage.”

As a newlywed mother and designer, Viña has mastered the art of balancing multiple roles. “Pressure motivates me to find a balance between my responsibilities,” she reflected.

Despite her packed schedule, family remains her sanctuary. “When I do have free time, I truly cherish moments with my husband, and our son Simeon. These are my favorite ways to unwind and recharge.”

Let’s hear more on her thoughts on fashion:

On brand philosophy

“Our brand reflects my personal style which resonates with those who value quality and thoughtful design. Central to my philosophy is a commitment to creating well-crafted pieces that are simple, but definitely not plain. Every design is meant for the quietly confident individual — those who wear their strength and style with subtlety. These are the people who inspire our work and guide our vision.

“As a brand, we aim to constantly refine our team’s skills while instilling the belief that a fulfilling livelihood can be built from passion. I want to show that being a skilled craftsman is a career to be proud of, one that brings purpose and pride.”

On professional concerns

“One of my greatest fears is becoming a starving artist and potentially resenting my own art due to financial struggles. For the longest time, I focused on slowly developing our production team, transforming my passion for designing and creating clothes into a sustainable livelihood.

“While doing so, I neglected one crucial aspect of a modern brand: creating visuals and translating our story through social media. We seldom post photos of our work or share our process. People and clients only see our available pieces during pop-ups, house calls, or when we send them new items directly. Although I enjoy discussing our brand face-to-face with our small circle and have been consistent with our design sensibilities, there’s been a disconnect between how we tell our story in person and how we present it on social media.”

On the Oras collection

“Oras is a collection borne out of necessity. To be completely honest, it’s our only collection that didn’t have a title to begin with. Almost all the pieces were samples from our production space which never had the opportunity to be photographed — unseen pieces featuring our staple details and well-loved treatments. However, when we were asked in a previous interview, the word oras instantly felt right.

“Oras marked a significant change in our approach. For this collection, I asked innovator Esme Palaganas to assist me to creatively produce our editorial shoot and lookbook. I have also been drawn to photographer Colin Dancel’s way of translating emotions through photographs. So we were eager to team up with her. The shoot took place in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, where I live and where our production home is located. Everything about the shoot and collection, although not perfect, felt like a huge hug.”

On Bini and Billboard Philippines collaboration:

“We’re thrilled that several of our existing pieces, including some from our archive, were chosen to be worn by the group. Their stylist for the Billboard feature approached us and asked if we’d be open to lending our pieces for the shoot. It was an exciting opportunity, and we’re so happy that our designs were part of such a special moment for Bini.”

On advice to aspiring designers

“Success in fashion design isn’t just about talent — it’s about character, discipline, and hard work, with a little bit of luck mixed in. The results may not come immediately. But if you stay dedicated and focus to push forward, those qualities will eventually pay off. Patience and persistence are key, and the journey itself will teach you just as much as the destination. Stay committed to your craft, and trust that the effort you put in will lead to growth, both as a designer and as a person.”

On future plans

“We’re thrilled to have just launched our new collection, Palagi, at Rustan’s Department Store. The word ‘palagi’ translates to ‘always,’ but it also embodies deeper meanings: constancy, presence, and trust in the process.

“Looking ahead, we’re especially excited about our upcoming solo pop-up at Rockwell Power Plant Mall, which will take place in August or September this year. It’s something we’ve been working towards for a while, and we can’t wait to share our pieces with everyone in such a special setting.”