Fashion

Strozzi Rosende is Just as Colourful as Her Eponymous Accessories Line

In an industry where perfectly recreated prototypes are a norm, the quirky imperfection of Strozzi’s pieces might prove that handmade is the new luxury.

Strozzi Abacel Rosende greets us with a big smile and an exuberant greeting as we reached her home, which sits on top of a hill in Lilo-an. She has a cat trailing behind her—she tells us she has 12 more, some of which she’d “catnapped” from the streets. All things considered, it’s not surprising that close friends call her Meow and that cats figure prominently in the designs of her eponymous accessory line.

With a growing online following and various fashion spreads featuring creations, Strozzi’s pieces are just as packed with personality as she is—bracelet charms shaped like hot-air balloons, an octopus-shaped brooch, and a sizable necklace that looks almost like armor. It is a brand for those who want to stand out, while showing off their playful side. The collection is made from sterling silver or brass, with inlays of semi-precious stones.

Working with different materials have always been a passion for Strozzi—“Melted crayons run in my veins,” she laughs, referring to the many times she’s worked with what she could find to create something. Accessories, however, weren’t her first love.

“Honestly, I wanted to become a fashion designer, and to have my own line of garments,” she admits. But as she earned her degree in Interior Design at the University of San Carlos, she realized that her love was crafts. She took classes related to arts and crafts, going into sculpting and painting instead of fashion design and sewing.

In 2005, Strozzi’s parents encouraged her to enroll in a prototype-making metal workshop with the Cebu Fashion Accessories Manufacturers + Exporters. An intensive ten-month hands-on training period under German metal artist Ingrid Haufe proved that this was the right path for her.

From there, Strozzi took a job at a furniture company, and formed friendships with other accessories designers in the country. In fact, she was on the team for the erstwhile trade show Cebu NEXT, creating different art and furniture installments. “I also ventured into photography,” she adds.

But even then, she knew that accessories were her passion. In 2008, she launched her line on ETSY, an e-commerce platform that sells everything handmade, and wanted to reinforce the brand’s penchant for color, personality and animal figures.

“It’s about crafts-womanship,” Strozzi says with a smile. Having converted their family home into a factory of sorts, the designer is involved in all aspects of the process—from acquiring the materials and coming up with the designs, to cutting and polishing the stones and metal materials. She knows how to do everything herself, and the equipment used in manufacturing were custom-made by her father.

“It’s not just jewelry. It’s the art of telling a story through symbols. It’s creating a visual expression of a person’s uniqueness,” she answers when we ask why it was so important to keep everything handmade. And although she creates her own collections, a bulk of Strozzi’s time is dedicated to custom-made orders, such as personalized wedding giveaways. “It’s a very interesting experience, and I like to celebrate their style and appreciate their sense of creativity.”

It’s almost democratic the way Strozzi creates her line, but considering her inherent friendliness, it’s just what we expected. More than producing accessories, she is hoping to build a movement back to handmade, and the perfectly imperfect. Perhaps in a time when technology can produce flawless versions of the same thing over and over again, there is a certain luxury to having a piece created by hand especially for you.

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PHILIP RODRIGUEZ

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Cebu’s esteemed designer, Philip Rodriguez, pays homage to imperial attire with this stunning yellow silk brocade qipao. While adhering to the traditional cheongsam silhouette, Rodriguez infuses a touch of sensuality by incorporating see-through silk tulle panels along the waistline. Known for his timeless designs and culturally respectful creations, Rodriguez’s attention to detail is unparalleled. His embellishments are intricate and exquisite, showcasing impeccable taste and luxurious design without veering into ostentation. Take, for instance, his cheongsam for the Year of the Dragon. While it may seem daring compared to traditional sensibilities, Rodriguez maintains elegance by delicately veiling the wearer’s skin with sheer tulle on the cutout side panels. The front slit of the dress is cautiously calculated to strike the perfect balance between modesty and allure “I design for women who possess sophistication beyond their years, “ Philip emphasizes. “My clothes are crafted to evoke a sense of beauty and allure, leaving her feeling exquisite and confident.” As a seasoned designer, Rodriguez consistently achieves harmony in his designs. His qipao for 2024 seamlessly blends elements of royalty and sensuality, luxury and practicality, reflecting his mastery of the craft and his ability to create pieces that are truly elegant and well-balance.

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: JC BUENDIA

JC Buendia, celebrated for his ability to tell a million style stories through minimalist details, is a master of clean, chic lines in fashion. Eschewing frivolity and nonsensical embellishments, every element of his designs contributes to their overall elegance.

Inspired by cinematic portrayals of Chinoiserie, Buendia’s first fascination with the Qipao began with Gloria Romero’s iconic portrayal of a Chinese princess disguised as a ‘sampan’ girl in the 1957 film “Hong Kong Holiday.”

“This admiration for orientalalia only deepened as I watched films like “The Last Emperor” and “In The Mood For Love,” JC recalls.

Buendia’s latest creation is a testament to this cinematic influence. His interpretation of the Qipao for the Year of the Wood Dragon features a cropped top crafted from silk Dupioni, embellished with diamond brooches on the reverse closure for a touch of glamour. Paired with a tea-length bouffant skirt made from frothy layers of delicate tulle, the ensemble exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.

With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, JC Buendia’s Qipao captures the essence of cinematic glamour while offering a contemporary twist on a classic silhouette. It’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Chinoiserie and the timeless beauty of the Cheongsam.

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PROTACIO EMPACES

Protacio Empaces is renowned for his talent in reinventing historical silhouettes into stylish statements perfect for modern women’s lifestyles. His reinterpretations present wearable, contemporary, and highly coveted fashion pieces. The distinct embroidery he incorporates adds an extra touch of charm to his creations. Take, for instance, his cheongsam adorned with delicately hand-embroidered macro daisies and trapunto leaves. “I imagined a vibrant qipao inspired by tropical aesthetics, tailored for chic city living in ASEAN mega-cities. I’m using cotton pique for its structure and infusing it with lively colours to retain a stylish, sensual silhouette,” explains Protacio. His knee-length qipao captures the timeless sophistication seen in Maggie Cheong’s iconic look in the classic film “In the Mood for Love.” Crafted for the Year of the Dragon, this design seamlessly complements the film’s aesthetic, presenting a potential addition to the character’s wardrobe. Seasoned designer Protacio’s creations speak to women aged 30 to 80. His intial Qipao offering for 2024 combines modern elegance with classic charm that resonates with these women’s sophisticated tastes and vibrant lifestyles.