Valderrama, Mary Kathreen

Valderrama, Mary Kathreen
@marikitlong

The fashion collection, Sang Una, draws its roots from the historical lineage of the Gaston family. I took inspiration from the book “”Sang Una”” penned by my Lola, Monina Suarez Magallanes. The Sang Una collection is inspired by the elegant silhouettes of French and Filipino fashion in the 1920s.

This collection primarily focuses on semi-formal to formal wear, offering a refined yet wearable aesthetic. The designs for women are centered around dresses and skirts, evoking a sense of femininity and sophistication. The collection aims to reflect the timeless elegance of the past while embracing a contemporary approach to modesty and style.

As a fashion designer, I find beauty in the stories woven through generations, in the grace of what is passed down, and in the strength of what is preserved. Drawing from Filipino roots and refined touches of French elegance, I shaped my creations by merging heritage and modernity. Through Marici, I design pieces that honor lineage, evoke nostalgia, and empower the present, where garments carry memory and move with light and purpose.

Designing the Sang Una collection for Marici began with the challenge of defining a clear concept, as I changed my topic three times before finding one that truly resonated with my family heritage. Translating deeply personal stories into a cohesive visual narrative pushed me to practice perseverance and diligence throughout the process. As the collection developed, I found the planning stage most fulfilling. Creating the Gantt chart and coordinating photoshoots, models, and venues allowed me to see the collection take shape in a tangible way. Rather than regret, I view my earlier ideas with curiosity; concepts that once felt too reminiscent of my grandmother’s wardrobe now feel relevant as my understanding of fabric manipulation and execution has grown. While all the pieces evolved, Look 5: Prudencia underwent the most significant transformation through multiple revisions guided by panel feedback. This journey clarified my identity as a designer rooted in vintage aesthetics and Filipino heritage, with a strength in reinterpreting existing ideas , which lead me to reimagine the traditional Filipiniana in a new light, while refining my pattern-making, sewing, and time management skills.