At FILIPNXT, the designer’s showcase marks a leap in her career, showing she’s readier than ever as she goes global
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to catapult from the streets of Manila to the runway of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), then look no further than Chynna Mamawal. The designer isn’t just reaching for new heights—she’s set on reshaping them with a bit of edge. With a whimsical yet edgy collection, Mamawal’s showcase elevated her career in one of the world’s fashion capitals.
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When asked why NYFW is the perfect venue for her global ambitions, Mamawal cites the event’s prominence and consumer-focused nature. “New York Fashion Week is more ready-to-wear, more street style,” she explains. “It’s the perfect platform to scale globally.”
The Big Apple Bite
For this New York debut, Mamawal is bringing a renewed perspective to her signature style. Expect bold techniques and unique shapes as she links opulent flair with a hint of bite. The collection will feature vibrant colors and textures that diverge from her typical fall/winter focus. “We’re introducing something different—something I haven’t done before,” she reveals.
The collection is a curated mix of ready-to-wear pieces, including short dresses, midis, and gowns, with the grand finale featuring a gown worn by R’Bonney Gabriel. The palette includes peach, blush, beige, and red, tying the collection together with a cohesive color story.
Mamawal’s designs are a reflection of her evolving inspirations. A recent trip to Saint-Tropez significantly influenced her latest collection. “It’s my first time doing a spring/summer collection,” she notes. “Saint-Tropez inspired me with its opulent yet stylish atmosphere, which I think suits New York perfectly.”
The collection, which consists of 20 pieces (15 for ladies and five for men), also contains suits and has modern barongs and Filipiniana in the showroom. The collection reflects Mamawal’s dedication to promoting Filipino heritage on a worldwide scale.
Polished and Primed
Mamawal focuses on her own development as she prepares to establish a name for herself abroad. From her acclaim at Vancouver Fashion Week to her NYFW debut, she feels more prepared than ever before. “I have more knowledge, experience, and a stronger relationship with my staff,” she says. “I’m excited to show everyone what we’ve created.”
Mamawal’s process is an illustration of her polished design philosophy. She characterizes her art as “chic, vibrant, and different,” a combination that represents her background and international goals. Her aim extends to clothing worldwide celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and Zendaya, the attractiveness of her creations becoming grander as they move.
Fashion With a Side of Finance
For aspiring designers, Mamawal stresses that passion and dedication are crucial, but they must be paired with solid business acumen. “It’s a lifestyle, not just fashion,” she emphasizes. “You need to balance creativity with proper planning and financial management.”
The designer elaborates on this, acknowledging the harsh realities of the fashion industry. “People often see the glamorous side, but they don’t see the hard work and the financial challenges behind the scenes,” she says. “You need to be deeply committed and ready to handle the business side of things, like budgeting, managing expenses, and understanding market dynamics.”
She also underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. “I took short courses in Paris and plan to study at FIT after NYFW,” she reveals. “Fashion schools teach you about design, colors, and textures, but they don’t always cover the numbers and business strategies. It’s crucial to be knowledgeable about both to sustain a career in fashion.”
“All successful designers have partners or teams managing the business side,” she points out. “Breaking through is one thing, but staying relevant and successful requires a well-rounded approach. You need to be fit physically, mentally, and emotionally to handle the demands of the industry.”
Chynna Mamawal proves that with passion, dedication, and strategic thinking, Filipino talent can exist in a fashion capital. Her collection for the New York runway puts her firmly in the global spotlight—another local rising influence representing for all the world to see.
