In this weekโs Friday Club. Insider, we sit down with Chynna Mamawal, the Filipina fashion designer making waves on the global stage. Fresh off her New York Fashion Week debut at Annex 417, a stylish venue on 38th Street in Manhattan, Chynna opens up about her creative journey, her designs, and her hopes to inspire the next generation of Filipino designers. From her debut show to expanding her global reach, Chynnaโs story is one of vision, hard work, and breaking boundaries.
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Can you share more about your journey from being a tennis player and business graduate to becoming a fashion designer? How did you realise that fashion was your true calling?
Fashion has always been a part of my life, even when I was exploring different paths. As a tennis player, I designed our team uniforms, and during business school, I often found myself creating outfits for presentations and events. Fashion was always there, guiding me through every step. After finishing my business degree, I finally decided to fully embrace it. I pursued formal education in fashion and am now continuing my studies at FIT in New York. Travelling with the national tennis team also exposed me to different cultures and styles, which have greatly influenced my design perspective.
Your work was showcased at Vancouver Fashion Week, where you won the Collection of the Season award. How did that experience help prepare you for New York Fashion Week?
Vancouver Fashion Week was such an eye-opening experience for me. Winning the Collection of the Season award was incredibly humbling and gave me the confidence to feel ready for the challenge of New York Fashion Week. I wouldn’t call it practice, but it was definitely a stepping stone that prepared me for a bigger platform. Every show presents its own challenges, but Vancouver really gave me the experience and confidence to step onto the global stage.
Can you describe the inspiration behind your New York Fashion Week collection and how it differs from your previous work?
I was really excited about this collection because it pushed me out of my comfort zone. My strength has always been in fall and winter collections, focusing on beading and intricate details. But for New York Fashion Week, I debuted my first Spring-Summer collection, which was a fun challenge! This time, I explored new fabrics, techniques, and playful designs that I hadnโt worked with before. I wanted to experiment with colours, textures, and shapes to create something fresh, while still staying true to my aesthetic. Itโs been a journey of growth, and Iโm excited to showcase that evolution through this collection.
What challenges have you faced as a Filipina designer breaking into the international fashion scene, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been the logistics of transporting my designs from The Philippines to different parts of the world. My pieces are often quite intricate, so Iโve had to learn how to pack and ship them carefully to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Another challenge is assembling the right team for each show, as itโs not always feasible to bring my full team from the Philippines. Iโve had to adapt by working with local teams wherever I am, but I hope that one day, Iโll be able to bring my core team with me to every international show.
As a Filipina designer making waves internationally, what message or vision do you hope to convey through your work, and what would you like to share with aspiring designers in the Philippines?
My message to aspiring designers is simple: if I can do it, so can you. Iโve always believed that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible. Iโve dreamt of this my entire life, and itโs truly been a journey. I hope my work and presence at New York Fashion Week can inspire other Filipino designers. The world is full of opportunities, and I want to show that we, as Filipinos, can make a mark on the global stage.
Looking ahead, whatโs next for you? Are there any future goals or projects youโre particularly excited about following your showcase at New York Fashion Week?
My goal is to continue growing as an international designer. Iโm taking things step by step, and there are definitely some exciting projects on the horizon. While I donโt want to reveal too much just yet, Iโm looking forward to participating in more international fashion weeks and exploring new creative avenues. Itโs all about steady growth, and Iโm excited for whatโs to come.
To stay up-to-date on Chynna Mamawal, follow her on Instagram.
Friday Club. is where every day feels like Friday. We spark conversations that are both trendy and thought-provoking, exploring topics that truly matter while staying true to ourselves. Weโre all about honesty, tackling tough subjects head-on, yet we never forget to embrace the fun life has to offer.
