In the vast world of the fashion industry, there are stories that transcend boundaries, stories that pay homage to the indomitable spirit of individuals, and stories that speak of journeys of inspiration
One such story is the remarkable journey of Chona Bacaoco, a talented fashion designer whose path took her from the humble province of Guimaras to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. In a remarkable turn of events, she found herself at the center of attention as she designed a stunning look for Drusilla Gucci, the great-granddaughter of the iconic fashion brand’s founder. Her experience of designing for Drusilla not only showcased her talent, but also became a celebration of Filipino creativity and resilience.
In an exclusive interview with MEGA, Chona humbly expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the invocations she received. “Until now, I am still in disbelief,” she says. “Why me? Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon sa lahat ng guidance and blessings.” She faced numerous challenges, like dressing three more clients, the time constraint, and the pressure of dressing someone with such a prominent background. “It was not an easy journey. Everyone was warning me na hindi siya madali damitan considering her family background and status. I was very nervous. They gave me three days to finish the dress since [it was] only five days until the festival.” Despite the obstacles, Chona’s determination prevailed. She drove for hours to Florence with her business partner, working on the dress until the last moment. The result was a stunning creation that Drusilla loved, with minor adjustments made to ensure a perfect fit.
Chona’s Filipino heritage played a significant role in her design philosophy. She incorporated the Filipino values of love, care, and passion into her creation, and Drusilla felt a deep connection to the dress. “Myself, having nothing growing up in the middle of the farm in Guimaras Island, we [had] no electricity and no water supply.” Chona’s upbringing in Guimaras blended beautifully with Drusilla’s desire for a less extravagant and judgment-free life. She says of Drusilla, “Drusilla has everything in her life, but she always wishes for less and lives like everyone else without any judgement.” She continues, “All that she wanted is less and to live her life with more freedom, while I was born with all the freedom and have less or almost nothing, [but] thankful for waking up in the morning still breathing.” This fusion of backgrounds and inspirations resulted in a design that spoke volumes about the essence of being Filipino—pouring one’s heart and soul into every endeavor.
For the Cannes Film Festival, Chona ensured that her design stood out among the sea of creations by using exquisite Italian fabrics, hand-stitching delicate lace, and incorporating upcycled vintage buttons and accessories. The combination of meticulous craftsmanship and the heartfelt story behind the dress made it shine brightly amidst the crowd, capturing the attention and admiration of all who beheld it.
While Chona aimed for fashion-forward design, she also prioritized Drusilla’s comfort. She understood the importance of creating a dress that not only looked stunning, but also allowed her to move with ease throughout the event. By considering Drusilla’s preferences and requirements, Chona crafted a design that seamlessly merged fashion and comfort, allowing the former to confidently grace the red carpet.
Her journey from Guimaras to the fashion capital of Milan has been challenging but rewarding. It has taught her the value of perseverance, authenticity, and the power of inclusivity in the fashion world. “I don’t think that I have the best dress na nasuot na niya, knowing she grew up having everything, but [rather it was] a dress wrapped with love, home, and inspiration.” Chona aspires to raise the flag of Filipino creativity higher and be recognized for the talent and passion that she brings to her craft. “For me, this is the element na maipagmamalaki ko bilang Filipino na mayroon tayo. We put our heart and soul sa lahat na ginagawa natin.”
Chona’s extraordinary journey from the enchanting shores of Guimaras to the coveted red carpets of Cannes is an ode to the power of dreams, resilience, and the transformative magic of embracing one’s heritage. Her design stands as a testament to inclusivity in the fashion industry and the unbounded potential that emerges from diverse cultural landscapes. Her ability to infuse Filipino culture, love, and passion into her designs showcases the beauty and richness of her heritage. Through her collaboration with Drusilla, she not only adorned the red carpet, but also created a profound connection between two souls from contrasting backgrounds. “Sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘pag laki ko, I will design my life and I will make sure to design it beautifully the way I wanted to be. I always dream big,” she confidently says.
As she continues to make waves in the fashion industry, she reminds us that creativity knows no boundaries, and that the human spirit can overcome any obstacle when fueled by passion, inspiration, and unwavering self-belief. “They accepted me without any judgement based on my race, color of my skin, or status. They included me and never made me feel less.”
Chona Bacaoco illuminates a path for aspiring designers, proving that dreams, when pursued with unwavering passion, can blossom into a symphony of artistry, inspiring generations to come. “Growing up, I struggled to fit in. My journey in the fashion world wasn’t an easy ride. I drove through many bumpy roads and I am holding tight to not give up on my dreams. I was excluded and outcasted at the beginning, but now, the fashion world is changing.”
With all that has been done, she ends on an inspiring note: “There is inclusion in fashion. There is kindness more than glitter and there is soul more than glamour.”
Photos: CHONA BACAOCO
