FASHION is for everyone.
Dressing up is one way of projecting the person you like, a personal branding.
And most women take fashion very seriously, especially when it comes to special occasions, most specially weddings. Countless of gowns are being sewn just for a night or day long occasion.
And talking about gown during special occasions, there is no exemption to it. No matter what race or tribe, everyone wants to be gorgeous, to be beautiful, and to stand out.
In Mindanao, Meranaws were asked on whom do they trust when it comes to their gowns for special occasions, taking into consideration that there are lots to be preserved, covered and limited as the culture and tradition have it, they all gave one name – Guela Raagas Ampong – a name that always rings a bell among Meranaw women when talking about couture in weddings or parties.
Meranaw women have always been much empowered and don’t allow themselves to be left out in many things such as politics, power and even in fashion, but without compromising the beauty and conservatism of their tradition and culture.
With these activities, they heed to be dressed well and stand out. And they all get it. All thanks to Guela. She singlehandedly showed to Meranaw women the beauty of Modern Fashion incorporated with the Meranaw’s beautiful culture.
Guela is very well-known for her designs of Meranaw gowns. Her name has been a by-word in the country and wherever a Meranaw lives.
She is known not only with her creation, but her wit and kindness overwhelms her Meranaw clients. She earned the trust and confidence of these beauties.
But how did Guela earn her name in the Meranaw society? How did she incorporate the intricate images of the Meranaw culture with the modern fashion world? How did a non-Meranaw master the creation of Meranaw’s modern fashion gowns?
Many have been curious. Finally, she unraveled her secrets to success in an exclusive interview with SunStar Cagayan de Oro.
Guela grew up as any other child in Cagayan de Oro. Being a pure Kagay’anon is her pride. In 2011, she was a designer who focused on pure modern design for non-Meranaws or the typical designs that Kagay’anons itch. Back then, she never expected to have a Meranaw client who wanted to preserve the conservatism of its culture while flaunting modernity. Her first Meranaw client in 2013 comes from a huge family in Marawi City.
“I was discovered by a friend, I really had no idea what design I was about to make because I was not exposed to the Meranaw culture. I really was pressured back then, but of course I had to do my duty as a designer. So, they told me about the limitations that had to be done – the cuttings of the gown should remain conservative. From that, I did my best. I did integrate the intricate designs of Meranaw culture with my own ideas. It turned well as my client was very much satisfied and happy with her gown. I never knew that that was the beginning of my reign in Meranaw fashion gowns,” says Guela.
She says that Meranaw are indeed a very clannish tribe. With this trait, it has helped her become the most sought after designer by Meranaw women.
Word of mouth has been Guela’s key marketing strategy as every satisfied Meranaw client spreads the word of how Guela turns the Meranaw conservative fashion into a contemporary one without losing the Meranaw trademark.
Guela has turned every Meranaw woman fabulous as one dons the designer’s creation yet maintains the conservative Meranaw look.
“Once a Meranaw becomes very loyal to you, one will forever be with you. And it’s up to you how you maintain the loyalty they entrust. And my way of maintaining it is not really about the price, or the money. It has always been more than that. I treat all my Meranaw clients my family, and with that, I am treated back as one of their own. That is why up to now, they mostly trust me with their gowns,” Guela says.
“Ma’am Guela is the most humble and approachable designer I ever met. She created my wedding gown in only a month’s time. I only gave her my measurements and entrusted her the design. On the day of our meet up, I was ecstatic seeing my wedding gown –an elegantly beautiful masterpiece that covered me from head to toe. Her way of accommodating and entertaining me was priceless. And I strongly believe that she is indeed the ‘Queen of Modern Meranaw fashion.’ No questions,” says Fatma Raisaleah Linog, Guela’s client in October 2015, when asked on her experience with the designer’s creation.
Despite being a Meranaw fashion guru, Guela does not focus alone on Meranaw designs. She is also equally talented and known for her designs among families in Cagayan de Oro.
How Guela reached her designer status? It hasn’t been fed to her in a golden spoon. She has worked so hard to achieve it. Little by little, slowly but surely, she has reached the spot where she intends to be.
Guela is an epitome of “Great things come from small things.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-brisbane | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-melbourne