Cover Fashion designer Gabbie Sarenas wears Miu Miu frames from Vision Express, a Celine dress and Jos Mundo shoes
Fashion designer Gabbie Sarenas wears Miu Miu frames from Vision Express, a Celine dress and Jos Mundo shoes
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Vision Express
Fashion designer Gabbie Sarenas has dedicated her career to style, but her creativity extends beyond the workplace and into her defining eyewear
“Lately, I’ve been trying to wake up earlier because I’ve realised my mornings are when I have the most energy and mental clarity,” Gabbie Sarenas shares. “Creating even one extra hour at the start of the day,” she emphasises, “gives me more space to think, create, and enjoy the process rather than simply moving from one task to the next.” The young fashion designer graduated from the School of Fashion and Arts Design Institute before working under one of the Philippines’ most celebrated designers, Hindy Weber. But she has carved her own, distinct niche, translating Philippine iconography and tradition into her work. It is her affinity for Filipino textiles and embroidery, however, that are most readily apparent.
Above Sarenas wears Gucci sunglasses from Vision Express, a Muji top and She Knows skirt
Sarenas wears Gucci sunglasses from Vision Express, a Muji top and She Knows skirt
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“One of the biggest challenges that has shaped my journey has been balancing the creative and business sides of running an independent fashion label,” Sarenas admits. There are frequent mental battles she must wage, to strike a balance between satisfying her financial obligations and preserving the integrity of her vision. Burnout is another difficult obstacle she routinely overcomes to protect and maintain her creativity. “It can’t be forced,” she says. “It needs to be nurtured.”
Taking morning walks is one way she finds breathing room. “I treat them as artist’s walks,” Sarenas explains. “A time to observe, reflect and notice details I might otherwise miss.” There is plenty of inspiration to be found outside, which fuels her work. “Whether it’s the way light falls on a building, a conversation I overhear or the rhythm of everyday life, those quiet moments often become the starting point for new ideas,” she enthuses. “My morning walks are sacred.”
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Above Sarenas wears Miu Miu eyewear from Vision Express
Above Sarenas wears Coach frames from Vision Express
Sarenas wears Miu Miu eyewear from Vision Express
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But those walks aren’t solely meant for squeezing out an idea for her next project. Fashion and style remains a very strong part of Sarenas’ personal life. Her choice of clothes reflect this: she is drawn to archival skirts and cut, tailored blazers and pieces that tell stories. Essentially, she searches for items that, in her words, “lived a life before reaching me.” But a constant, consistent presence is her eyewear of choice. “My sunglasses are always with me, whether I’m in Manila or travelling abroad,” she enthuses. “They’ve become an everyday essential.”
“To me, a good pair of sunglasses is almost like a suit of armour,” she reasons. “Of course, they protect you from the sun, but they also create a sense of personal space. There are days when you simply want to observe quietly, protect your social energy, or move through the world a little more anonymously—a great pair of shades lets you do that.”
“At this point, they're so integrated into my daily life that I rarely leave home without them,” she laughs. “They're as much about how they make me feel as they are about how they look.”
Above Sarenas wears Miu Miu eyewear from Vision Express, a cropped blazer by Joey Samson, longsleeves from She Knows, jeans by Carl Jan Cruz and a Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff & Ring
Sarenas wears Miu Miu eyewear from Vision Express, a cropped blazer by Joey Samson, longsleeves from She Knows, jeans by Carl Jan Cruz and a Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff & Ring
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Above Sarenas wears Coach frames; She wears a jacket by Chanel, a skirt by Carl Jan Cruz, shoes by Loewe and Miu Miu sunglasses from Vision Express; A sweater by Idea hangs on the luggage cart
Sarenas wears Coach frames; She wears a jacket by Chanel, a skirt by Carl Jan Cruz, shoes by Loewe and Miu Miu sunglasses from Vision Express; A sweater by Idea hangs on the luggage cart
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Though sunglasses and eyewear certainly play a large role in her wardrobe, Sarenas finds that their significance extends beyond the aesthetic value they provide. From simple accessories, they slowly transform into lifelong companions. “In a way, it sees the same things you do,” she muses. “It’s your window to the world. You wear it through the highs and the lows, while travelling, celebrating milestones, facing challenges and just going about your everyday life.”
“Before you know it,” she smiles, “It’s become a part of your journey.”
Above Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci from Vision Express; Sarenas wears Yves Saint Laurent
Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci from Vision Express; Sarenas wears Yves Saint Laurent
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Above Fashion designer Gabbie Sarenas wears a Celine dress and Miu Miu frames from Vision Express
Fashion designer Gabbie Sarenas wears a Celine dress and Miu Miu frames from Vision Express
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As a fashion designer, Sarenas is drawn to things with character, thoughtful craftsmanship and a sense of permanence. “In many ways, my eyewear reflects my identity because it values the same things I do: comfort, authenticity, craftsmanship and stories that last.”
Because they are such an integral part of her everyday wardrobe and sense of self, Sarenas makes sure to take her time in choosing a pair of sunglasses. Vision Express carries the brands that recognise the importance of variety of style, enabling her to create outfits that define her. “The shape has to feel timeless and suit my face, while the craftsmanship has to be something that will last for years,” she explains. “Fit is equally important. [It] shouldn’t constantly slide down your nose or need adjusting. When I put them on, I want to forget they’re there.” In terms of colour, she leans on soft, green hues, while she opts for round frames that complement her face shape.
“When a pair is beautifully made, comfortable and has a distinctive shape,” she adds, “I know it's one I'll keep wearing for a very long time.”
Above Sarenas wears Miu Miu sunglasses from Vision Express
Sarenas wears Miu Miu sunglasses from Vision Express
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Sarenas is a deeply sentimental person, if her sense of style and design were any indication. It is therefore no surprise that her choice of eyewear sings of her character and personality. And though she often looks to the past for inspiration and a sense of groundedness, she does so to be better informed of how to transform the future. “I like investing in pieces that become part of your life,” she muses. “The best eyewear, for me, is something that you love, ages well, and can be passed on to the next generation.”
Book an eye exam at Vision Express today. Visit visionexpress.ph to view their full collection.
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Credits
Photography: Sela Gonzales
Photography Assistant: Jomar Ablay
Make-Up: Johnson Estrella
Styling: Meg Manzano
Stylist's Assistant: Tere Gubat
Hair: John Alrey Valencia of Toni & Guy Philippines
Creative Direction: Bianca Simeon
Production: Isabel Francisco, Johannah Reglos and Ysobel Zamora
Location: The Henry Hotel Manila
About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
Work
Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
