Straight from the heart: Corso Como 88 weighs in on her art of selling
Imelda Menguito-Sciandra, President and CEO of Corso Como 88, has built a distinct space in the Manila fashion scene by bringing a unique blend of Italian luxury and craftsmanship to the Philippines. Her journey began in Italy, where she lived for over two decades, and where her appreciation for high-quality design and artisanal craftsmanship developed. Today, she channels that experience into her venture, Corso Como 88, embodying her vision of redefining the local fashion landscape.
Imelda with content creator Small Laude
“I used to be based in Italy, and I’ve been there for 23 years,” she reflected during our interview at the launch of Corso Como 88’s branch in One Ayala, Makati. “I’m slowly moving back to Manila because it’s part of my dream, to have a store and to offer people what I learned in Italy for the past two decades that I was there.” This transition signifies not just a change in location, but also a fulfillment of a long-standing dream—to share with Filipino fashion enthusiasts the high standards of quality and elegance she discovered in Europe.
Discovering the fun in fashion in Italy
Imelda’s love for Italy’s luxury market began when she was living in Florence, the leather capital of Europe. “I used to live in Florence. So, in Florence, it’s the leather capital of Europe, if not of the world. So, I studied culinary [arts]. And then, later on, I really admired how they [Italians] do things like design, and then craftsmanship.” This exposure to world-class artistry and design made an impact on her, sparking a passion that would eventually evolve into a business venture.
Her first foray into the fashion world was unplanned. She began simply by sharing her discoveries with friends and acquaintances in the Philippines. “So, when my UP [University of the Philippines] group knew that I was living in Florence, they asked me, ‘O, what’s good there?’ During that time, mga pabili [shopping request], this was way back in 2002 or 2003.” This hobby of sourcing fine Italian products soon transformed into a small-scale business.
“It was so fun kasi. I get to learn about the different brands and that everything is actually made in Italy. The top brands, even if it’s French, even if it’s Spanish, pero maraming made in Italy na part yung bag, yung kanilang things,” Imelds enthused. It was during this period that she realized the depth and intricacies of the luxury market. Her entrepreneurial instinct began to take shape as she learned more about the industry and saw opportunities to bring lesser-known, high-quality brands to the Philippine market.
Building a business as an artist
“I always thought that I was an artist. I took this exam, I was right-brained, so more of the creative kind. The entrepreneurship came only after because I need to pay the rent and I have overhead,” Imelda shared. This blend of creativity and practicality has become a defining feature of her business philosophy. While she enjoys curating products that appeal to her artistic sensibilities, she is equally focused on maintaining a sustainable business model.
“Business philosophy? I only sell what I like,” she emphasized. This approach has helped her maintain authenticity in her offerings, ensuring that each item in Corso Como 88 reflects her personal taste and values. Imelda’s intentionality and commitment to quality have earned her a loyal following among Manila’s fashion-forward crowd.
On Filipinos and luxury brands
Imelda’s initial assumption about the Filipino market was that it was primarily brand-conscious. However, her experiences soon proved otherwise. “That’s a very interesting question. I always thought, my mentality was, Filipinos are so brand-conscious. Then when I started showing them things which are made in Italy, which are not branded at all, or brands which are mid-brands, not the top, top brands, they know. They like it. They know that they want.” This realization encouraged her to expand her offerings to include lesser-known Italian brands that boast exceptional craftsmanship and design.
“The thing I like also, the very nice about the Filipinos, the fashion enthusiasts, they know quality when they see quality.” This appreciation for well-made products, regardless of brand name, has allowed Corso Como 88 to cater to discerning customers who value substance over status.
Expanding Corso Como 88
Corso Como 88’s carefully curated collection includes both established luxury names and emerging mid-tier brands. With the recent addition of two iconic labels—Acqua dell’Elba and Buti Pelletterie—Imelda aims to offer more diverse options to her customers. “We are thrilled to introduce Acqua dell’Elba and Buti Pelletterie here in Manila,” Imelda proudly announced. “These brands perfectly complement our existing offerings, showcasing the best of Italian luxury and craftsmanship. I believe that these products elevate our goal to offer quality products to Filipino fashion enthusiasts.”
Acqua dell’Elba, known for its exquisite fragrances inspired by the Tuscan archipelago, brings a touch of Italian elegance to Manila. The brand’s offerings include a range of perfumes, home scents, and bath products, each evoking the serene beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
Meanwhile, Buti Pelletterie, a heritage leather goods brand established in the 1950s, adds an element of timeless sophistication to Corso Como 88’s collection. Crafted in Tuscany, Buti bags are celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail and elegant design, making them a perfect addition to any luxury wardrobe.
Dream come true
Today, Imelda’s vision for Corso Como 88 is beyond just having a retail space. For her, it is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship and a reflection of her journey from a curious art enthusiast in Florence to a successful entrepreneur in Manila. Her story is one of passion, persistence, and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life—a story that continues to shape the way Filipinos experience luxury fashion.
Through Corso Como 88, Imelda Menguito-Sciandra goes beyond just selling products. She is sharing a piece of her journey, one that began in the streets of Florence and now thrives in the heart of Manila. As she continues to expand her brand, she remains guided by one simple principle: to offer only what she loves, believing that true luxury is not just about the brand, but about the quality, craftsmanship, and story behind each piece.
