Filipinas have long incorporated their stories into fashion, making everyday style into declarations of identity and grace. From provincial fêtes to city runways, wardrobe choices honor tradition while embrace modern sensibilities. That duality, timeless yet forward, set the stage for a new reveal from one of Manila’s beloved ateliers.
Manila-based Studio Haydee Garcia stepped beyond bespoke bridalwear this week, unveiling its first luxury ready-to-wear line at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in McKinley Hill. Titled “Petals & Poetry,” the Spring 2026 collection presented 28 looks in duchess silk, gazar, jacquard, brocade, crystals and gold-plated gems—pieces designed to feel “dreamy yet empowering.” The intimate show, attended by select creatives and editors, reached its highlight when Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray closed the runway with serene poise while front-row favorite Small Laude watched the house’s romantic vision come alive.
Founders Haydee Garcia and Mary Grace Chu explained the brand’s vision plainly, “The vision behind Haydee Garcia Atelier has always been simple — I wanted to create a space where women can feel beautiful, confident, and celebrated through fashion. For me, it’s never just about making gowns. It’s really about creating pieces that hold memories and emotions. I want every client to feel special the moment they wear a Haydee Garcia piece.” Haydee added that gowns are personal narratives, “I’ve been doing this for more than 10 years now, and honestly, fashion has always been something very personal to me. As a designer and fashion architect, I love combining structure, detail, and femininity into every piece we create. Over the years, I’ve learned that every gown tells a different story, and that’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.”
Taking the leap into a standalone studio was both a creative and emotional turning point: “I think it came from a point where I finally felt ready to fully embrace the vision I had for the brand. Opening a stand-alone studio was a huge step for me creatively and personally. I wanted clients to experience the brand in a more intimate and elevated way — from the atmosphere of the studio to the entire design journey. It was definitely scary at first, but also very fulfilling.” That new home arrives in May 2026 at North Garden Villa, Proscenium at Rockwell, Makati, intended as a more accessible entry point to the atelier’s bespoke heritage, “Finally, we’re launching our first studio in Rockwell, Makati. So, we’re looking forward to sharing it with everyone and we’re excited for you to share collection that we’ve been working so hard for the past months.”
Haydee described the RTW lineup’s mood and materials. She shared, “This collection is very feminine, romantic, and modern. You’ll see soft color palettes mixed with rich textures and intricate details. We used luxurious materials like duchess silk, gazar, jacquard, brocade, crystals and gold plated gems. The collection features 28 statement pieces that are elegant but still wearable and modern at the same time. Every look was designed to feel dreamy yet empowering.” She envisions a wearer who values craft and confidence: “I think the woman who resonates with our brand is someone who’s confident in her femininity. She loves elegance and craftsmanship, but she also isn’t afraid to stand out. She appreciates details, timelessness, and pieces that make her feel empowered and beautiful. She’s romantic, modern, and expressive in her own way.”
She envisions a wearer who values craft and confidence, ‘I think the woman who resonates with our brand is someone who’s confident in her femininity. She loves elegance and craftsmanship, but she also isn’t afraid to stand out. She appreciates details, timelessness, and pieces that make her feel empowered and beautiful. She’s romantic, modern, and expressive in her own way.’ – Haydee Garcia, founder and designer
Star choices reinforced the collection’s intent. “We chose Catriona Gray because she truly embodies the elegance, confidence, and grace that our brand represents. We wanted our finale to feel powerful yet timeless, and Catriona naturally brings that kind of presence on the runway,” Haydee said. “We chose Small Laude because she brings warmth, personality, and effortless luxury all at the same time. We wanted the finale to feel celebratory and relatable, and Small has this natural charm that connects so well with people,” she added.
Beyond the show, Haydee framed the moment as both milestone and invitation: “I love sharing meaningful moments with my brides. So, every bride’s story is very special to me as well. And sharing it through my designs truly inspires me.” She acknowledged the emotional weight of celebrations: “And of course this is one of the most beautiful, much awaited milestones in every woman’s life. So, it’s really amazing what you’re doing. You are really blessing us all with beautiful designs and creations that can come to life.” Moving forward, she teased more presentations and growth: “And of course, moving forward, this is simply like the little teaser of today. We still have another showcase, which is so so exciting.” Ultimately, Haydee sees expansion as an evolving narrative: “There’s definitely a lot to look forward to from the brand. We’re excited to explore more collections, expand further into luxury ready-to-wear, and create even more fashion experiences for our clients. I also want to continue evolving creatively while staying true to the heart of the brand, which is craftsmanship, femininity, and storytelling through fashion.”
