WEDDING season is upon us. For brides, finding the perfect wedding gown can be stressful, but not for fashion designer Angela Soriano who knew just what she wanted the moment she said yes to her now-husband.
Specializing in luxury bridal fashion, the 35-year-old designer finally tied the knot last May 8, 2018, with Davao-based business consultant Dereck Gamez,38, in an intimate wedding at St. Teresa's Church, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
“It’s a new experience that I enjoyed preparing myself, from my gown, the smallest detail up to the music selection. That time was different because everything was for my special day, and not for a client. The wedding is just what I dreamed it would be,” Angela said.
Angela wore a stunning gown she designed herself, an off-white full Mikado Ball gown with a voluminous skirt and a 6 ft. train, a sweetheart neckline, American Tulle long-sleeved bodice with covered button detail.
“The gown I designed for myself reflects my personality, classy but modern. I designed something that would still be in, 10 or 20 years from now, “she said.
The groom looked dashing for the perfect day, wearing an Italian wool, Midnight Blue Three Piece Suit, also designed by Angela.
“I had a simple intimate wedding so it was no fuss at all. The engagement was long as it took us two years to walk down the aisle, and yes the hurdles we have to overcome within these two years so I have to say I’m glad it is finally done,” she said.
Angela shared that when she was little, she “always wanted to dress up people more than anything else.” She was inspired by her stylish lola.
“She's one of my icons,” she said of her grandmother.
Prior to entering the fashion industry, Angela worked as operations manager of a hotel for about 12 years. It was quite a long detour she said, but she realized later that fashion designing was what she always wanted-to dress people and help them look good for the special moments of their lives.
It was in 2007 when she had the courage to give up her hotelier life and start a career in fashion designing.
“When I started here of course I was still not exposed, I know a lot of people, but they know me as a hotelier not a fashion designer. So I started. I got to join fashion shows, and then later I finally made my own fashion show. I became a member of Oro Fashion Designers Guild and little by little, a lot of people got to see my collection, both locally and abroad. Three years ago, I finally opened a studio here,” Angela said.
Angela now owns three studios--one each in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, and in Manila with another one soon opening in Davao City.
To aspiring fashion designers, Angela said it is important to find one's own style.
And for brides-to-be, to also know their personal style as this would reflect in the wedding gown they will wear on wedding day.
“My advice to the brides-to-be would be to know what you like and you will have a clearer picture on what kind of wedding you will have, your personal style is very important in working with your chosen Fashion Designer, your style and personality should exude in your Wedding Gown on your special day, naturally you will glow. And you will be happy,” she said.
“Most importantly, before the wedding, one should know his or her partner’s top 3 priorities in life, it need not to be the same as yours but should be agreed, accepted and supported along the way, so as expectations are managed, “
“We may be married to our partner’s but keep in mind that we are still both separate individuals, our life’s goals must not change when we are married nor should it be taken away from us, we must support them and be a good team, a good contributor to the society, to live a life with purpose,” Angela said.
In August and in time for the Mindanao Fashion Summit, Angela will feature her first full holiday-themed bridal collection in commemoration of her wedding which took place earlier this month.