Meet the Filipina entrepreneurs transforming NYC fashion with Filipino flair
Photos from narrastudio/Instagram;mestizanewyork.com
Slaying the concrete jungle of New York are these two Filipina powerhouses who are here to prove Philippines is not just home to stunning beaches but also talented achievers and entrepreneurs.
Meet the fashion game-changers in NYC — Mestiza and Narra Studio. Armed with the goal to bring Pinoy flair close to Filipino Americans, two women are aiming to level up Filipino fashion in New York and other US states.
With classic and traditional Filipino fashion in mind, these two Filipina-owned businesses are adding modern twist to their timeless pieces.
Weaving into Narra Studio’s evolution
Founder Katte Geneta envisions helping their Filipino workers. During unfortunate circumstances Narra Studio extends charitable help as a way to give back to their affected artisans and weavers.
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Furthermore, Narra Studio isn’t just about textiles; they’ve got accessories too. Their exquisite line of jewelry, handcrafted by indigenous communities and artisans shows Filipino imprints.
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You may also like: Filipino designer Marian Zara crafts sustainable fashion from scraps
Culture meets timeless in Mestiza
Dynamic duo, both of Filipino descent, Alessandra Perez-Rubio and Louisa Rechter just bonded over their shared Filipino heritage. And the result? They transformed their cultural bondings into a fashion brand.
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“Mestiza,” or woman of mixed race, is a word that strongly embodies blending of cultures which is why they decided to make it their brainchild’s name.
“When we started the brand, we really wanted to use a name that spoke to this idea of the blending of our cultures,” Perez-Rubio said in an interview with NBC New York.
Imagine timeless pieces you could hand down to your future kids — sustainable style at its finest. But aside from looking fabulous, helping Mother Earth is one of their missions too.
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With our modern world already drowning in waste, Mestiza makes sure they’re not contributors to this environmental concern. Through their collaboration with Heirloom Project, they have no room for leftover clothes.
Instead, through the team up, they’re giving away these leftover dresses to women in the US, supporting breast and gynecological cancer warriors.
“Not only are you wearing something that makes you feel good, but you know the brand is doing good things and you are standing for something,” said Retcher.
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A future as bright as their fashion pieces, Mestiza is looking to expand — bridal, athleisure, shoes and bags. In the meantime, they’re slaying not just with an elegant collection of wardrobes but with stunning accessories that would perfectly match their timeless pieces.
Whether you’re a Mestiza maven, rocking classic pieces or a Narra Studio nomad, these Filipina-owned businesses are injecting Filipino fashion into the international scene.
