Q+A: Joanna Ladrido and Nina Estacio of Glitterati
At a time when many online shops offer the same products, often relying too much on mainstream items, Glitterati goes in the opposite direction by offering its customers eccentricity, incorporating fierce and feminine styles with a hint of current trends.
Glitterati is the product of style sisters Joanna Ladrido and Nina Estacio. Born out of their fondness for fashion, the sassy twosome released their first collection last December 2008 and is now acquiring recognition in the fashion industry. Check out TiC’s interview with the founders of Glitterati, JL and Nina.
Joanna Ladrido (Left) and Nina Estacio (Right)
TiC: So tell us more about your clothing line, Glitterati. How did it come to be?
JL: We created Glitterati because of our passion for fashion. Nina and I met in St. Scholastica's College, Manila, where we both graduated high school. However, it was in college when we really bonded. After graduation, we went on to work our own fields but our love for fashion never went away so we decided to have our own style blogs at Chictopia (Nina Estacio's Chictopia and Joanna Ladrido's Chictopia).
To stand out from the crowd, we decided to custom-make our clothes since they were not readily available in the retail stores. People from here and abroad were wondering where we got our clothes and were inquiring if we sell them after use.
This gave us the idea of having our own fashion line and translating our vision into wearable ready-made clothes that can be available for fashionistas at reasonable prices. We met about it over drinks and dinner then worked on it the next day. After a month, we had a very successful launch at Piedra Bistro Bar and the rest was fashion history.
Glitterati is a term that refers to glamorous people: famous, rich, or fashionable people thought of as a group, especially those who are frequently photographed by the media. When you hear the word, you instantly think of fashionistas, It girls and the social scene and it instantly draws you in. The mere sound of the word suggests glamour and status, something most of us aspire for.
That is what our clothes also aim to suggest. Designs that are exuberant, luxurious and lavish, at friendly prices. Clothing that would definitely make the wearer stand out in a crowd.
TiC: Where do you get the concepts and inspirations for your items? What sparks the creative process?
We get inspired by anything - from runway to the street, a simple everyday thing we 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.
Betsey Johnson S/S 2007
Luella S/S 2008
TiC: Who is Glitterati for?
Glitterati girls are fabulous, fashionable and fuss-free. We aspire to serve those who want attention with our OTT, attention-grabbing outfits for any occasion. Our clients are fashion-savvy girls and women who are ready to take dressing up and looking good to the next level.
The clothes are for young women considered to be It-girls who epitomize the word "chic" but at the same time are smart enough to know the value they deserve for the money they pay for clothes. It is for those who day in and day out, dazzle everyone with effortless style, the kind that can never be bought and paid for.
Glitterati clothes are designed especially for the glitz and glamour lifestyle that can easily transition for the jetsetter and people who are always in the scene and on the go.
Spotted in Glitterati (L-R): Nikki, Bubbles, Tricia, Lissa and Aryanna
TiC: How would you describe your personal style and your own design aesthetic?
JL: I describe my style as bipolar as I shift from wearing a girly tutu today, and then an all black rocker outfit the next--usually, my outfits are dependent on how I feel or what my iPod tells me (it basically decides on days when I can't). My secret is to wear basic pieces but adding a little bit of drama with a pop of colour or fabulous accessories.
When it comes to fashion and how I design, I can never say "never"--I would never say I wont be caught "dead" wearing a particular article of clothing as fashion is constantly evolving and what might not be trendy now, might be trendy in the future. I usually design over-the-top frilly pieces or heavily embellished and studded pieces that make a statement and are at the same time, practical.
Nina: When it comes to designing and describing my personal style, the perfect word to describe it would be "random". I'm very bendable when it comes to my style and designing. I am inspired by everything around me, by magazines and even what I see daily on the streets. However, I believe that if there is one thing about my style that's distinct and ever present, it's always throwing in something bold, striking, and mind-blowing. Something like a plain white loose tank top with a metallic stripe on the side, that kind of thing. I like blending in but standing out a bit. That's where JL and I come together. That is exactly what Glitterati is all about. It's about standing out in the crowd.
TiC: Do you have a signature look?
JL: People from Chictopia call me the queen of tutus and I insist on wearing tutus as I believe that it brings out an air of fun and ease. It's flattering while at the same time, shows the former ballerina in me. I rarely wear denim jeans so most of the time I wear easy breezy dresses and skirts that you can mix n' match. One thing signature to my look are accessories and high heels!
Nina: Honestly, I think I'm still discovering my signature look. However, I do know that I love wearing monochromatic outfits with a pop of color, and/or combining denim with lots of gold chains. If there is one thing that's constant however, it would hve to be high heels and my hairstyle. Both have my style staple for years now.
TiC: Did you always want to become a designer?
JL: Definitely. When I was young, I had my Barbie's clothes customized. 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!
Nina: I never thought I'd grow up sketching clothes and selling them to girls who share the same interest in partying and dressing up, but I've always deconstructed and made some of my clothes better to fit me and to have that extra "oomph". I guess, it was a subconscious thing all along. Maybe designing was really in my heart and I do love it. It pushes my creativity to the limit and that's what's important.
TiC: What achievements are you most proud of?
JL: Glitterati as a brand is something I am very proud of as it is bigger than the plan Nina and I made out. Dressing people up, making them look fabulous and special on milestones of their life is something I am proud to be doing. Seeing my clients happy in our clothes gives me such fulfillment.
Aside from that, I am also proud to have graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology back in College. I did the whole hospital internship but after health problems loomed in, I was advised to lessen stress and then Glitterati came in. I'm glad to have gone through a major life-change stronger, braver and wiser.
Nina: I am very proud of a lot of things I have achieved and one of them would be Glitterati. It is definitely one of my most prized achievements as it is my first business, and a fun one at that. I know for sure that when "fun" is involved in what you do, there is no where else to go but up. I am also proud to be working as a stylist and an assistant to one of the most well known personalities in the fashion industry, Jenni Epperson. Under her training, I am able to learn a lot in fashion, and in the world outside of it too. In 2 years (and counting), I have been through a lot of experiences I would never trade for anything else.
TiC: Any new items, fashion events or future plans for Glitterati?
We recently gave our first serving of our Fall/Winter collection which we launched online. For this season, we showcased the classic tutus we are known for, ultra glam skirts and tops, and metallic dresses. We are planning to collaborate with co-designers for an event to launch this season's lines.
Aside from that, 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 fab. As a brand, we are also keen on showing versatility--which was why we launched a bikini line to complement our summer pieces. In the future, we plan on putting up a small boutique outside a mall but in an accessible location, somewhere that can showcase our pieces and designs to our clients.
Glitterati goes Harder, Better, Faster and Stronger!
Tutus not for dancing, but for fashion. Get tutu-fied and look ultra-feminine!
Edgy and chic body con dresses.
Shine on and look funky in these metallic-hued pieces.
Wear these 1920’s-inspired dresses and step into the world of glamour.
Shop Glitterati at shopglitterati.multiply.com
