From London to Manila

The colors are inspired by teas so there’s Chamomile, Matcha and Earl Grey. There’s still a touch of London to it. You can say that trip really affected me.

In 2007, Kat Erro left Manila and took the opportunity to work temporarily at Harvey Nichols, a posh department store in London. For nine months, she saw how designers and known quality brands attracted its customers to purchase every time they come and visit the shop. Such simple observation inspired her to take courses in shoemaking, personal styling and interior decorating.

The former stylist and fashion editor slowly ventured into business. Though still unsure on what to focus on, Kat registered her brand Katre Fashion House at the Department of Trade and Industry at the same time when her family decided to go back to Manila in 2009.

“While I was working there, I realized that there’s a market for brandless brand that has the same quality as a designer one. In that store we sell designer brands that I myself cannot afford. Even if I could, it’s hard to let go of that much money,” Kat told Daily Tribune.

She thought there must be a way to make a product of the same quality that people would love, not only because of how it is styled but also how it speaks to them. “When we got back, I experimented with different products like ready to wear accessories and then synthetic goods. Several years later, I went back and forth several times before I was able to build contacts and networks.”

In 2011, she finished designing the City Tote Bag, Katre’s first collection of only a few pieces. She went to Marikina in search of good shoe and bag makers. The rest, as she said, is history.

“Some people may hear the brand for the first time because our growth was really organic and slow because I had no background. I experimented with the design, marketing, customer service and everything else. But as you can see, it’s really all worth it. We were in no rush at the beginning. Hard work really pays off if you just have the tenacity. Just never give up and believe in yourself.

After a while, Kat created Boite, Katre’s collection of round handbags. It was well received by consumers that she had to create succeeding collections one after another. Now that Katre is celebrating its 10th year, a new batch of bags available in quilted new colors was launched.

“It is inspired by the freezing nights in London, hence the pattern. And then the colors are inspired by teas, so there’s Chamomile, Matcha and Earl Grey. There’s still a touch of London to it. You can say that trip really affected me. Of course, it was my first time to travel there. I really immersed myself with that place. I absorb things around me easily,” Kat said.

Just this month, Katre opened a pop-up store in Shangri La Plaza. Plans for a physical store and a collaboration with a brand will roll out soon, says Kat. “You just have to do what you love or what you are most passionate about; if not, you won’t be able to surpass the hardships. If you love something then everything else will just be part of the experience,” she concluded.

Shop Katre online at shopkatre.com. For more information follow @katrehq on Instagram.