(1) Ruffled, georgette blouse, 21st/8. (2) Brocade coat, My Theme. (3) Necktie, Armando Caruso at SM Department Store. (4) Bloomers, Marge and Pol.

Not everyone has the courage to take that giant leap into the fashion retail world, but PR and marketing maven Carmina Sanchez certainly has it.  With a little nudge from friends and colleagues, her Poivre (pronounced pawvr) was finally introduced to Manila’s stylephiles at The Ramp, Glorietta. Tunics, dresses, metallic leggings and beaded vests are among the brand’s bestsellers, with Sanchez restocking almost as soon as they were displayed. 

Manila Bulletin: Why the name Poivre? How did this come about?
Carmina Sanchez: I thought of a name that would mean “hot” without it being too literal.  Something that sounded almost like a name and would appeal to a broad market.  I suggested “poivre” after figuring it was the word in French for pepper. It best describes the look for the brand. Very basic but always sexy!
 
MB: Why make clothes?
Clothes were an easy addition for me since it’s an essential. And you know, of course, that in my line of work, being stylish is a must. So I figured, why not do it myself? It was a dream that I always had but I was a bit daunted to ever start. Thank goodness, I did, since the brand has been so well received! 
I select the fabrics as well as designs for each piece and it stems from a vision I have for the collection, which is built around 12 basic must-haves in a modern girl’s wardrobe, then I just add a twist to them as I feel necessary.
 
MB: Where do you get your inspiration?
I’ve been inspired by people around me and my travels. I am so influenced by simplifying fashion choices and having less expensive options for clothing. I believe that even without this recession, well-priced, well-made clothing will always be in fashion.

MB: Why use jersey and soft fabrics?
My clothes are travel-friendly, lightweight and are meant to be no-brainers. You can wear them in several ways, and mostly for many occasions. Pieces can add oomph to your regular jeans and dresses are meant to go from day to night with a just a change of shoes or even worn as a tunic for a casual day and a dress for evening.

We all live with so many places and faces to see that we have to be able to adapt our wardrobe without stacking so many or worse yet—overweighing our baggage (what with new airline rules). That’s why I chose a lot of jerseys and cottons that they don’t require so much thought and are easy to care for. Things nowadays happen so fast that the last thing you need is to iron your clothes every morning when you get up!