Fashion Notes By A Modern Filipina

Fashion designer Maureen Disini built her namesake fashion label by dressing strong-willed, brainy Filipinas who inspire her everyday.

- Chino R. Hernandez

Maureen Disini wears a lot of black and white. Like Steve Jobs and his iconic black turtleneck and Mark Zuckerberg, who opts for gray hoodies for his daily uniform, the fashion designer simply doesn’t have the time to look through her closet and put together “a cute ensemble for the day.” Her atelier is running seven days a week, with a staff catering to the fashion needs of high society It-Girls, young ladies looking for the perfect prom dress, little girls in need of a fluffy new frock, brides anticipating their wedding day, and family matriarchs dressing for the next big event. “I don’t have the time to think of what to wear anymore. I’d like to be able to move in the clothes I wear. So comfort is always key,” she says candidly. Introduced to fashion at young age, it isn’t a surprise to know that she lives and breathes her craft. A lover of style herself, it’s okay for Maureen to sacrifice her love for dressing up for the needs of her clients, the modern Filipina lady, who she says inspires her to do better every day.

GROWING UP WITH DRESSMAKERS

“My aesthetic has always been simple, understated, and feminine,” she shares about the dresses she makes. The social media savvy designer’s Instagram feed (@maureendisini) feels like a look book of her very best work. She never fails to upload her favorite pieces from her namesake label on a daily basis. With so many pieces of clothing consistently being shared on her account, one can infer how busy her life is. It’s a never ending cycle of photographs of freshly made gowns, oversized bows, printed fabrics, and imported chiffon for wedding veils. Her posts feel almost customary. But what can you expect from a woman who loves fashion?