“I want to go global by showcasing Filipino craftsmanship, especially in bridal wear. It’s still not as recognized globally as it should be, and I’d love to change that.” These are the words of Zia Wycoco, a Filipino bridal fashion designer making waves in the local scene with her whimsical, elegant, and modern take on traditional bridal savoir-faire.
Zia’s love for fashion began early, rooted in childhood trips with her grandmother to a local seamstress. Before the era of fast fashion, it was common in the Philippines to buy affordable fabric and have custom designs tailored to their preferences. She fondly recalls a cherished childhood memory: “My grandmother would rip a page from a favorite magazine whenever she saw an outfit she liked. Then we’d go to her favorite spot to buy fabric, and she’d always take me along. I’d watch as the mananahi (Filipino for seamstress) cut patterns and took my Lola’s (grandmother’s) measurements. It was my first real exposure to fashion, though I didn’t realize it at the time. Looking back, I think those moments became integral to who I am.”
However, Zia’s path to becoming a designer wasn’t straightforward. Like many Filipino and other Asian families, her loved ones encouraged her to prioritize stability over passion. “My family is practical. They wanted me to follow a stable career path like everyone else. My uncle worked in sales, my aunt in brand marketing, and my mom was an entrepreneur. So, I went to college, got a corporate job, and did what was expected of me,” she shares.
Although she found success in the corporate world, fashion was always on her mind. “Even on a trip to Bangkok after college, the first thing I wanted to do was visit Chatuchak Market to buy clothes and sell them back home,” Zia says, laughing. Still, it wasn’t until later that she fully embraced her passion and began her career in design.
The pandemic proved to be a turning point. She left her job at an FMCG company and later worked with renowned Filipino fashion designer Vania Romoff, who is celebrated for her ultra-feminine, classic silhouettes. During this time, Zia began to deep appreciate the intricate process behind bridal design. “It wasn’t intentional, but I saw firsthand the emotions of brides who loved their dresses. That moment resonated with me like a dopamine rush. Seeing brides happy made me think, ‘This is something I want to do.'” Inspired, she started making wedding dresses for friends, and the journey grew from there.
This led to her going to New York, this time as a student at one of the world’s most prestigious fashion institutes, Parsons School of Design. During her time there, she learned from the best and that’s when she decided to carve her own path as an independent designer.
ZW Bride, her eponymous bridal brand, combines heritage fabrics with various contemporary styles, including a nod to the 1950s and 1960s, a period known as fashion’s golden age. However, ZW Bride stands out not only for its aesthetic but also for Zia’s client-centered approach. She strives to ensure each piece reflects the bride’s personality. When asked to identify a signature element of a ZW Bride gown, she explains, “I think it’s the joy brides feel wearing the gowns. I play with fun details like fringe and beads. It’s not about having a set signature but creating something that makes the bride feel like herself.”
The struggle to balance creativity with business demands is one many in the fashion industry, especially Filipino designers, know well. Navigating cultural and creative identity while pursuing global recognition presents its own unique challenges. For Zia, time management has been one of the biggest hurdles. “I’ll admit that this has been a huge challenge for me. Balancing business and creativity became draining at a certain point,” she says. If not managed well, this can disrupt a designer’s inspiration. However, Zia has found a sustainable way to maintain her passion while running her business. “Now, I make time for myself, whether it’s going for walks or working out. Giving myself that space helps me stay creative,” she explains. This also allows her to seek inspiration from designers like Carolina Herrera and others.
As ZW Bride continues to grow, Zia is clear about her goals for the future. When asked where she envisions the brand in the next five years, she says, “My goal is to expand globally while staying true to Filipino craftsmanship and heritage.” With the rising international demand for unique, culturally rooted designs, ZW Bride is positioned to make a significant impact, putting Filipino bridal fashion on the global map.
For more on Zia and ZW Bride check out www.ziawycoco.com
ELETOM EDITORIAL TEAM | Editor-in-Chief: Natalie T. Steger | Managing Editor: Cyan Leigh Dacasin | Creative Director: Claire Grisolano
Photo Credits for Collection One | Photographers: Gerard Tristan, Kix Martinez, Rome Del Rosario & Al Mortiz | Makeup: Yve Galang | Hair: Divine Orcia | Models: Alyssa Tanya & Jem Nuqui ( Farah Models) | Overall Shoot Assistants: Kaezcel de Ala & Ylane Javier
Photo Credits for Collection 2: Photographer: Andrea Genota | Make-up: Zee Ghielmetti | Hair: Raymart Espina | Jewelry: Patrizia Rodriguez (Krea Jewelry) | Production Design: Carla Villanueva (CV Projects) | Stylist: Andrea Ang | Stylist’s Assistants: Summer Untalan & Jia Torrato | Models: Julia Pistis & Trisha Raimann | Overall Shoot Assistants: Kaezcel de Ala & Ylane Javier
