The Pursuit of Happiness
MEGA|May 2023
What sparks joy? For designer Happy Andrada-Gras, it's: wielding art that comes from a play of purpose, consciousness, and elation
MARIAN SAN PEDRO
The Pursuit of Happiness

Designer Marian Joy Andrada-Gras brought such gaiety the moment she was born that her parents decided to give her the nickname Happy. At 15 years old, she filled up a whole sketchbook with her own designs. And instead of the usual cotillion for her 18th birthday, she had her very first fashion and arts show.

With her love for dressing up and self-styling, she went on to study fashion design at La Salle College nternational and at Central Saint Martins. She actually wanted to use the name Marian. But then, a member of he press, who was also a family friend, interviewed her and wrote Happy instead—and that’s what stuck with her.

"I want fashion to be accessible to everyone,” Andrada-Gras says. You don’t have to be a certain body ype to enjoy fashion. Whenever do my own creations, make sure that use Philippine-made materials as well as icons inspired by the country. It has to be local.”

Starting with her inspiration—whether a silhouette, eeling, color, mood, or texture—Andrada-Gras shares hat her design process is always evolving, a continuous practice that goes through many routes until she finds happiness in her work. As the designer sees it, fashion is an avenue to learn and grow, and people always have 0 give themselves the chance to find new discoveries.

Bu hikaye MEGA dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye MEGA dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MEGA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
MAKE SPACE
MEGA

MAKE SPACE

Malls are ubiquitous in the Philippines, even as more people shop online. For better or for worse, malling is part of our culture. MEGA talks to the key people who ensure it stays that way

time-read
3 dak  |
November 2024
suitable faith
MEGA

suitable faith

The power of science and faith in custom tailor brand AMEN

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
brownie POINTS
MEGA

brownie POINTS

The yummiest concoctions some of them, quite literally) you need to add to cart now

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
olfactory OVERLOAD
MEGA

olfactory OVERLOAD

Indulge in the extraordinary with these fantasy fragrances

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
ALL FIRED UP
MEGA

ALL FIRED UP

Kasa Palma’s Chef Aaron Isip brings jungle cooking to the city

time-read
5 dak  |
November 2024
HEART OF THE GLOW
MEGA

HEART OF THE GLOW

Pina Beauty’s humble identity as a Philippine-grown skincare brand made specifically for the everyday Filipino

time-read
3 dak  |
November 2024
DOMINIQUE COJUANGCO-HEARN
MEGA

DOMINIQUE COJUANGCO-HEARN

The Collective's Dominique Cojuangco-Hearn talks candidly about what it means to run a game-changing beauty platform, the importance of leading with purpose, and how motherhood changes your perspective

time-read
5 dak  |
November 2024
What's Next is NEXA
MEGA

What's Next is NEXA

The future of beauty is here —at Belo NEXA, the lines between science, luxury, and culture are blurred, offering a one-of-a-kind experience where cutting-edge technology meets the bespoke care Filipinos are known for

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
ITALIANS DO IT BETTER
MEGA

ITALIANS DO IT BETTER

From capacious totes and sensible (ish) shoes, Milan Fashion Week highlights the story of the modern woman

time-read
4 dak  |
November 2024
THE PARADOX OF GEN Z SHOPPING
MEGA

THE PARADOX OF GEN Z SHOPPING

Unravel the contradictions of Gen Z shopping—a phenomenon where sustainability battles fast fashion in a dramatic showdown

time-read
4 dak  |
November 2024