Joanna Ladrido

Glitterati was founded by two friends that had a love for fashion. The target group being young women who want to look their best but don’t want to give an arm and a leg for it. Whether you’ll be chilling at the beach or going out for dinner and drinks you’ll be able to find something to wear at Glitterati.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What’s your educational background? What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
I am Joanna Ladrido, one of the brand owners and designers for a retail local brand, Glitterati and also a fashion blogger. I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology from the De La Salle University. I have always loved fashion which was why I turned my passion into my business which is currently my full time job now.

Where do you get your design inspiration?
I get inspired by anything – from runway to the street, a simple everyday thing I come across. The possibilities are endless. It is always good to check up on designs of foreign innovators such as Balmain, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, and Herve Leger–designers who put a whole new meaning to body con (slinky tight fit outfits).

For classic pieces, Christian Lacroix, Oscar de la Renta, and Carolina Herrera are our inspirations; quirky and fun ones such as the tutus are inspired by Betsey Johnson, Luella, and Charles Anastase. We also try to tell a story with our pieces and from there, we build a collection and design pcs. We think telling a story is important in every collection.

When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
When I was young, I had my Barbie’s clothes customized and eventually had my own custom made. This is something I have always wanted to do as it is a passion, and there’s a difference when you do something you’re passionate about and good at!

What does fashion mean to you?
I cannot really define fashion into one specific thing as I see it as very dynamic… it’s everywhere. Personally though, fashion is a form of self expression. It’s an outlet where I can let all my creativity come out. I play with it, I work it and I love it.

What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
A lot of my girly dresses from when I was kid. But officially, my first piece was my Carrie Bradshaw tutu for Halloween in 2008, shown here and here.

What do you like best about designing clothes and whats the most challenging part?
I love how I can take trends from the international scene and make it available to the local market, making local fashionistas have more choices on dressing up! I love seeing my clients in my pieces too! The most challenging part, I would have to say would be the fact that the work hours are practically 24/7….some people order and call/text us at 4 am at times!

What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Proper use of material, perfect fit and the labor and effort that went along with the design. I think clothes that are made well (with the best fabric suited for the design) will last. Also, of course, how the dress/ clothing affects the wearer is absolutely important too. Even if the dress uses the most expensive fabric and has the best design, if it does not suit the person wearing it, it won’t be as special.

What are some of your fashion goals?
It’s our vision to always strive for pieces made from quality materials–the best that the market can offer so the wearer can feel special and ultra fabulous and we have exactly that in store for our next releases. Expect luxury, variety and attitude as a dominant theme for the holidays. As a brand, we are also keen on showing versatility–which was why we launched a bikini line to complement our summer pieces and more recently, a belt line which is perfect especially when used to accessorize our clothes.

Who’s your most influential fashion designer/s?
We take inspiration from anything and everything around us. We love the different fashion era’s like the 20’s, 50’s, and 80’s. We are inspired by designers like John Galliano for Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Betsey Johnson, Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, Martin Margiela, Alexander Wang, Hussein Chalayan, Viktor & Rolf, and Christophe Decarnin for Balmain, also inspire us with their exuberant, breath-taking, and stunning creations. They’re nothing but marvelous. We also get inspired a lot by fashion bloggers such as Jane Aldrige of www.seaofshoes.com, Karla by www.karlascloset.com, and by Rumi of www.fashiontoast.com.

What do you wish people would understand about working in the fashion industry?
It’s not as easy as you’d think. It is a very demanding industry and actually quite fast paced. It’s weird to be designing bikinis or on spring mode while it’s raining and cold. Your state of mind kind of adjusts and is always 1-2 seasons ahead. It’s not at all laid back or all glitz and glamor. More often than not, we are more into the knitty, gritty manual labor work. It’s hard work and also very client-based.

What trends do you see being big for 2011?
For Spring 2011, I think we’ll be seeing a lot of 70′s inspired clothing- wide legged trousers, the glamour and boho aspect of the era, bold colors, sheer and flowy maxis, and of course, punk biker chic.
What are your favorite colors to work with and why? We love to work with black because there is a certain elegance and classic appeal that comes with the color. However, when we use color, we use bold jewel tones.

Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
You can visit our store at Unit 78C Zodiac Street corner Estrella St., Bel-Air III Makati or online at www.shopglitterati.com.ph

What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
Go for it and take the risk! Make sure not to sacrifice your own style and as always, support local fashion!

Any closing thoughts?
When it comes to dressing up, be your own kind of beautiful! Challenge the norms, never settle and develop your own personal style.

1. Retz said on January 10, 2011 at 11:19 am

   

   Lovely article!

   

2. Oopsie! said on April 15, 2011 at 12:30 pm

   

   Glitterati is such a controversial brand! Chos! Just read an article about them here.

   I am not sure if they will like it… but knowing these ladies, they will just let it slide!

   http://12one3.blogspot.com/2010/12/why-local-fashion-retail-industry-is.html

   Oh well! I still adore the brand!