Fashion designer Andrea Tetangco has just opened her new atelier, marking a significant milestone as she also celebrates her 17th anniversary in the industry.
Located at the Proscenium at Rockwell in Makati City, Andrea's new atelier celebrated its grand opening on November 20, 2024.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Andrea revealed that she had envisioned this move for quite some time. The primary reason was her desire to have her atelier closer to the majority of her clients.
"This is a prime spot and most of my clients also are in Makati area," she told PEP.
"Siyempre, it's better for me to move and to stay closer with the people who's really looking for something, you know, bespoke pieces, custom-made.
"I think the demographic here is in Makati who really goes to events, di ba? Or the fashionista, fashion capital, yeah.
"So, and it's a nice area also. I made sure it's convenient for my clients, everything, di ba?"
Present at the launch were some of her clients and muses including Chie Filomeno, Vanna Garcia, Christi McGarry, Issa Pressman, and Katarina Rodriguez.
ANDREA TETANGCO: MAKING THE BIG MOVE
Andrea's atelier had been situated in Wack-Wack, San Juan City, for 17 years before she embarked on the big move.
She began thinking about relocating in 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the search for the ideal location held her back.
By the end of 2023, however, she made the decision to transform her dream into reality.
Andrea recalled, "I've been waiting for a prime spot ever since kaya hindi ako nag-move from Wack-Wack. But since I got an opportunity to move here, I got it na."
She added, "Actually, I've been eyeing this place since 2021. But I didn't have the courage talaga to make a big move since it's the pandemic, di ba?
"And then parang 'should I do it or huwag,' ganyan. And then last year, at the last quarter of 2023, I had the courage na, 'Okay, let's do it. It's time. It's now or never.'"
These were merely the initial challenges she faced during her relocation. Additional hurdles emerged during the construction phase, which lasted about nine months.
Andrea is especially grateful that everything turned out well, considering she was also making the significant move of shifting her production to her new Makati atelier.
"It took a while also, construction, because I got this super bare also. And then I also moved my production here. So, it's a big move talaga."
ANDREA TETANGCO: CREATING CLASSIC PIECES WITH A TWIST
As Andrea steps into a new chapter in her career with the launch of her new atelier, she's not only continuing her legacy of bespoke bridals and gowns but also venturing into ready-to-wear pieces.
She hopes that more people will have the opportunity to wear her creations.
Andrea told PEP, "I'm doing bridal now... most of my works are on Instagram. In this one, I'm starting my ready-to-wear na ready talaga.
"I want more women to wear Andrea Tetangco. Like, when I go out, I would see more Andrea Tetangco [creations]. It's not just formal or weddings."
Andrea expressed that she's committed to her aesthetic of crafting classic, timeless pieces, but always incorporating a statement or accent to make them stand out.
"My designs, the silhouettes, I always stick with classic pieces.
"It's timeless, but you would see a statement. Designs, contemporary pieces. That makes a woman, you know, to make a statement.
"That's always my goal. Like, you will look effortless and chic, timeless, classic. But still, you know, you have that style.
"And I believe when you give that style to someone, it will give you confidence when you wear my clothes."
But what do "classic" and "timeless" mean to Andrea? According to her, it's about more than just the silhouettes.
In her words, "I think for me, timeless is about the quality of the work we're doing. Like, everyone can make designs, but it takes years to master the craftsmanship, to build a good team, and to master the, you know, fabrics with the right cut. So, I think that's being timeless."
This fashion philosophy extends to her personal style as well.
"Actually, I have different moods. So, for me, I'm in a timeless classic piece. But I also want something fun, as you can see in the pieces, right?
"So, it's a combination. Effortless, but there's always a statement. It's still edgy. It's not boring.
"Sometimes, people think, 'Oh, your pieces are classic.' Parang, it's just flat.
"But really, classic is the base, but I still want something fun.
"It will make you look attractive also when you go out, when you feel confident. Even if you wear something kakaiba, it gives you a different feeling."
She added, "Hindi ka nagpapansin, pero pansin na pansin ka."
ANDREA TETANGCO: 17-YEAR JOURNEY
With a 17-year journey in the fashion industry, PEP and other members of the press were eager to discover the insights Andrea could offer to budding fashion designers.
Andrea shared that one of the most significant lessons she has learned throughout her career is that being a designer involves more than just creating beautiful masterpieces.
It's about crafting an experience that makes clients feel truly special.
She explained, "Some people would go to me, they know what they want to already. Some, siyempre, para kang doktor.
"You lead them. At the end of the day, it's not just about creating clothes for women, but I found my purpose being here in 17 years.
"It's also giving feelings... that's how you make women feel when they wear my dress."
She emphasized that aspiring designers should not only focus on the artistry and craftsmanship of their work but also prioritize building relationships with their clients and everyone in the industry.
"Relationships, PR, network, events, people around you. You really have to build good relationships so you will last.
"Relationships also with your clients, with your staff, everyone else. So I think at the end of the day, it's really having a good heart and values.
"And then the creativity will flow. You have good rhythms with everyone."
Moreover, it's crucial for the new generation of fashion designers to understand the business aspects of the industry—an area that some younger designers often overlook.
Andrea said, "I think it's really important. I always tell the young generation who's in the fashion industry, when I meet them, being creative is not enough.
"So I think running a business, which actually nami-miss out iyan sa mga fashion school, is really important."
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