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METRO MANILA, PH— Filipino designer Zia Wycoco opens a new chapter with ZENAIDA: Everyday Heritage — her debut ready-to-wear collection that breathes new life into Filipiniana. Rooted in her grandmother’s memory and the understated elegance of generations past, the line reframes cultural dress not as occasion wear, but as a daily act of identity for women who move through the world with intention, confidence, and grace.
Portrait of Zia shot by Gerard Tristan
Known for her thoughtful approach to design, Wycoco has built a reputation for honoring Filipino heritage while challenging convention. Through ZENAIDA, she moves beyond occasion wear, offering versatile pieces that seamlessly fit into modern lifestyles without sacrificing cultural identity.
“Filipino heritage should not be reserved for special occasions,” says Wycoco. “With ZENAIDA, I wanted to create pieces that allow women to embrace and express their roots effortlessly, making heritage a living part of everyday life.”
The collection reflects Wycoco’s signature design philosophy: balancing structure with softness, tradition with ease, and nostalgia with contemporary relevance. Each piece is designed to feel both familiar and refreshingly new, featuring distinctive brand codes synonymous with her work: tie skirts, puff sleeves and skirts, flowy kimonas, and an interesting play on the Tapis, the traditional over-skirt that became synonymous with the Maria Clara and Baro’t Saya, redefined tastefully as part of everyday wear.
L-R: The Tapis in Puti ( over-skirt in white), Tapis in Krema ( over-skirt in cream ), and Kimona Puff in black – captured by Gerard Tristan
As the recipient of the Young Women’s Design Award from the Philippine Fashion Coalition, in collaboration with Zonta, Wycoco has emerged as one of the country’s most promising design talents. Since receiving the honor, she has steadily established herself as a designer to watch, with ambitions that extend beyond the Philippines as she builds her presence on the global fashion stage.
While many know her through ZWBride, her successful custom bridal label, ZENAIDA: Everyday Heritage marks a significant evolution in her creative journey. The collection expands her vision beyond bespoke bridalwear and into accessible fashion that speaks to a broader audience of women seeking meaningful, modern expressions of Filipino style.
Set to launch next week, ZENAIDA: Everyday Heritage is more than a collection—it is a movement to make Filipino identity wearable, relevant, and celebrated every day.
Zenaida Campaign Credits: Makeup: Miru Kagiya @mua.miru | Hair: Rouel Labiga @labigamakeupartistry | Model: Julia Tamayo @juliatamayo | Shoot: Casama Studio @casamastudio
To check out more of the ZENAIDA: Everyday Heritage Line, follow Zia Wycoco on Instagram
