Apostol, Crisha

Apostol, Crisha
@crishaapostol / @apostolclothing

Dalagita Collection is named after the feeling of being in between childhood and womanhood.

Growing up, people would say “dalaga ka na” when you were being corrected or told to act mature. But once you showed emotions, they would say “bata ka pa.” This constant contradiction raises the question: what are you really supposed to be called? The answer becomes “dalagita”—not a child anymore, but not fully a woman yet.

The collection is also inspired by the life cycle of a flower, especially the moment it begins to bloom. This blooming stage symbolizes puberty, a time of change, confusion, growth, and becoming. Just like a flower, a girl does not bloom all at once—she slowly transforms into who she is meant to be.

I’m Crisha Mae Apostol, a Fashion Design and Merchandising student from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. As a designer, I love telling stories and showcasing Filipino culture through my work. My brand creates high-quality ready-to-wear pieces using Inabel weaves, handwoven by artisans from the northern parts of the Philippines. I also incorporate traditional Filipino crafts into my designs. My clothes are timeless, feminine, and dreamy that are made for people who love art with meaning.

Designing the Dalagita Collection helped me understand my approach as a designer. I chose Inabel weaves from Northern Luzon because that is where I grew up and became the woman I am today. I reinterpreted cross-stitching, which I learned and practiced with my grandmother, by combining it with experimental beadwork on Aida cloth. I also incorporated diamond painting, a childhood activity, using circular Swarovski crystals. Playful embroidered patches add personal stories and handmade details. Throughout the design process, I focused on how materials, embellishments, and construction could work together to communicate the in-between stage of childhood and womanhood. By working with these materials and techniques, I refined my ability to balance experimentation with structure, ensuring that each garment functions while conveying its intended narrative.