Beginnings

I have been a Creative Entrepreneur for 41 years. As a “CITEM baby,” we were sent to participate in the Paris Fashion Week in 1983. That experience opened my perspective to fashion as both craft and industry.

Challenges

The biggest challenge was choosing to niche into something outside the grain. First, it was translating knitwear — traditionally associated with basic pullovers and cardigans — into fashion. I transformed handcrafted knitwear into coordinated separates and dresses with a contemporary point of view.

Later came the transition from Knitwear to PiñaWear, which was even more challenging because the two materials possess opposing characteristics.

Another challenge was innovating a new approach to Piña in order to make it relevant and contemporary. I wanted to remove the impression that Piña is itchy, stiff, high-maintenance and only suitable for dry cleaning or traditional formal occasions.

Where I am now

At present, as an advocacy I am just guarding the heritage of Piña by promoting proper labeling of authentic Piña fabrics and garments to differentiate them from non-Piña materials merely imitating their appearance. Beyond design, the mission now is preservation, education and sustaining the weaving communities behind the craft.

Wisdom

Build your career around something you genuinely love, because passion gives you the endurance to survive challenges and reinvention. Creativity also requires research, observation and hands-on understanding of materials. You must immerse yourself deeply enough to understand not only a material’s beauty, but also its strengths, weaknesses and possibilities.

Most importantly, innovation should still honor heritage. Tradition must evolve in order to survive.