It’s a tale of two cities as the young designer brings her vision from Manila to London with a new atelier
Carlene Zervoulakos knew from the start that dreams, like seeds, need time to bloom. But no one tells you how wild and unpredictable the garden can get along the way. What began as a concept in her teenage years has evolved into transcontinental. The designer is the embodiment of chasing your dreams and then nourishing them as they blossom into something beyond imagination. Born and raised in Manila, Zervoulakos’ fashion roots started young, as she founded Atelier Carlene at 19. But even then, her vision was always bigger. “The concept for Atelier Carlene was always international,” she says. London, with its cosmopolitan air, was a natural fit.
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The Leap from Manila
Looking back, she chuckles at how time seemed to slip away while she honed her craft. After the success of her Manila atelier, Zervoulakos knew she was ready for something bigger. Two years ago, she opened her first brick-and-mortar space, a milestone that pushed her to elevate her designs, and now, London was calling her name.
“The timing felt right, though not without some hesitation,” she admits. “My experience at the University of the Arts London (UAL) was the final push. I was surrounded by the most inspiring creatives, and it became clear that London was the place for the next chapter of my brand. Good ideas are great, but bringing them to life? That takes collaboration, perseverance, and a bit of time-zone juggling between Manila and London.”
Lost in London, Found in Fashion
In true designer fashion, Zervoulakos found herself immersed in London’s vivacious energy, which she describes as both overwhelming and electrifying. “It’s fast-paced—a city that never sleeps,” she muses. “The diversity here is incredible, and it’s reflected in the way fashion is so eclectic and daring. I’ve met people from all corners of the world, each with their own stories.”
“That’s what makes this city so magical. It forces you to stay focused while embracing the chaos.”
Carlene Zervoulakos on her time in London
Zervoulakos found herself dropped into the unfamiliar streets of London, where every turn was a guessing game, and each day was a new puzzle to solve. But instead of letting the chaos overwhelm her, she let it work its magic. The city, with its bustling energy and unpredictable rhythm, nudged her to tap into instincts she hadn’t realized were still there.
Strangely, it wasn’t the neatly planned moments or carefully curated experiences that shaped her; it was the unpredictability that sharpened her intuition. London didn’t just challenge her—it conspired with her, pulling the strings behind the scenes until, somehow, everything clicked into place, almost as if it had been part of the plan all along.
Threads of Transition
As with any grand move, setting up shop in a new city didn’t come without its share of hurdles. The logistical nightmare of managing a team across two different time zones was a challenge in itself. “Communication was key, but it was tough,” Zervoulakos says. “I also had to make sure there was a market for Atelier Carlene here in London. Thankfully, I had my incredible team in Manila backing me up every step of the way. Their work ethic and dedication made the transition much smoother.”
Amid the fabric of it all, Zervoulakos found herself swept into a personal evolution she hadn’t quite stitched into the pattern. “I’ve learned to be present in the moment,” she reflects. “As a creative, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle, but it’s in those late nights, challenges, and even setbacks that you grow the most.”
Moving from Manila to London pushed Zervoulakos out of her comfort zone in ways she hadn’t anticipated, but it was precisely that leap of faith that solidified her vision. “London has broadened my perspective. It’s made me more open to change, both in design and life.”
The Beginning of Something Big
The designer’s atelier in London is the physical manifestation of a dream long in the making. But this isn’t the end of the road. “Atelier Carlene was always meant to be international,” she says confidently. “I want my brand to resonate with women everywhere, to evoke confidence, elegance, and a sense of connection.” After all, fashion is personal, a reflection of how you feel, how you carry yourself, and most importantly, how you see yourself.
As for the future? Zervoulakos sees Atelier Carlene growing into something much larger, expanding into new cities while staying rooted in the values that started it all. “This is only the beginning,” she says with a knowing smile, “and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me next.”
For Carlene Zervoulakos, the dream was never just to chase—it was always to nurture it until it flourished, no matter how unpredictable the path.
