It is really a struggle to a lot of people to start a business, and even more difficult if you don’t have any connections to start with. But with great product line add to that the confidence, capability and wit, the ‘underdog’ could shine like a ‘victor’ in the long run.
Industry Underdog: Guerra Manila
Meet Guerra Manila, a soon to be popular Filipino brand that defies all odds creating well crafted and designed accessible luxury products that can make waves in the global fashion stage.
Guerra Manila is made for either the unconventional fashionista, someone with a personal style that does not succumb to trends and bandwagons. (Guerra, rooted from Giyera, is a Filipino word which means War)
We had a chance to meet Guerra Manila’s owner Carla Santa Cruz over an intimate dinner. It was inspiring to hear her stories, from the off-courses she took in college and to how her determination kickstarted to put up her own brand. The humble and quirky designer chatted with us and told us her plans and the reason for coming back here in the Philippines (even thou she is already starting to have a name abroad).
Carla Santa Cruz has been into the business since 2010, and as any start up designer, Carla had a lot of challenges encountered starting her brand (add to that are the bashers she had accumulated). But good thing, she got enough experience to start off with, designing hand-craftedly accessories which she sells to support her college studies.
Last 2013, Carla Santa Cruz decided to put up Guerra Manila. Presently available online, the brand however is already making waves in Paris, Tokyo and New York. Carla hopefully plan to open its very own shop here in Manila.
Currently focusing on bags and accessories for the ladies, when asked about Men’s Line? she’s expresses that it is already in the plans and hopefully in the coming months the men’s line will be available.
It was an honour meeting her personally, I really have this gut feeling she would be a big name, this ‘underdog’ is already preparing currently for the New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2015 show this February 2015.
High hopes for this brand! Truly something we should all Filipino’s be proud of.
By the way aside from bags and accessories, Guerra Manila also do have coutures, check out the other products they offer by visiting www.guerramanila.com.
Heres a bonus!
Win Guerra Manila Bag, details on the image below!
