Cherry Tan
From metallic to bubble, you can find a dress you like at SalsaTrends…
After traipsing through Arleen Sipat’s design studio and workshop, there are only two words that come to mind: organized chaos. Clothes from the latest season are packed into suitcases for delivery to one of the numerous stores at which she consigns her creations, one of-a-kind, specially-made dresses are pinned to sewing forms, and fabric for new designs are strewn over sewing machines while at least five bodies engage in conversation. At any given time of the day there could be a private buyer who flew in from Cebu to restock her shelves or place orders, a stylist or editor piecing together outfits for a fashion spread, or a bride-to-be getting her final bikini fitting before her honeymoon while her entire entourage wait in the wings for their gowns. But it’s among this chaos that beautiful things are made.
“I don’t think of myself as a designer. I mean, I don’t even sketch [my designs],” Arleen shares as she takes a break from her bustling business. “I just love dresses, I love to dress myself.” She found her seamstress skills – which she learned from her mother – came in handy when she couldn’t find a look she had in mind. “If I can’t find what I want, I make it myself. So it’s true that my designs are mostly for myself. I think it’s really like that with other people too, you design for yourself. Even if I don’t wear it, I like it. Otherwise, why would I make something na ayaw ko?”
It’s this love for her clothes that has taken her label SalsaTrends from her first bazaar to the 14 or so outlets and consignments that she now has under her belt. Like her love for dresses, SalsaTrends is a reflection of Arleen’s love for the Latin American dance. “I love the salsa, I love the flowing dresses and Brazilian beaches.” Most of her inspiration can be found across the globe, from Canada to Australia to around Asia.
It was her scintillating swimwear and stylish beach cover-ups that catapulted SalsaTrends into the spotlight during the steamy summer. But now that a chill is in the air and holiday fever is starting to hit, her metallic gowns and too-cute bubble dresses are fast becoming the demand. From the long and stunning golden goddess dress, to the white empire-cut gown, to the asymmetrical, stone-embellished cocktail dress, every holiday need is solved. Invoke lavish modesty in her sleeved metallic gown with deep V-neckline. SalsaTrends also carries tailored dresses that will have you looking enviable at that inevitable office party or for dressing up an otherwise ordinary day at work. “And you never have to worry if something doesn’t fit right. As long as you bought it from SalsaTrends, we will alter it to fit your body, just bring it to the studio,” adds Arleen. Or if you find yourself like her, with a specific dress in mind but unable to find it among the racks, you can always ask her to make it especially for you. “We only make around two to six pieces per design, so it’s like we are making them especially for the person na, you won’t see anyone else wearing it to the same party.”
With an opening in Glorietta 3 slated for this month, shoppers can now find SalsaTrends at TriNoma, Crossings Department Store, and at Mia Bella at Serendra, Fort Bonifacio. Or browse through the label’s latest events at their website at salsatrends.multiply.com. To schedule an appointment with Arleen, email her at salsatrends@gmail.com.
|
