BGC, Philippines — Emerging young Filipina couturier Sofia Carmela Arante is attracting the attention of the international fashion scene, getting nods from premiere online pubs like Vogue Runway and WWD.
The 23-year-old fashion designer is redefining the way crochet and knits are presented to the world with her bold, out-of-the-box executions and vibrant, loud color palettes fit for fearless fashionistas.
A fearless designer herself, Sofia Carmela developed her design aesthetic after acquiring a fashion degree at the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia, USA. She graduated summa cum laude in 2022 with an impressive 3.94 GPA.
Unveiling her senior collection “To Be Childlike” during the SCAD Class of 2022 fashion show led for her to be noticed by high-brow fashion insiders. Inspired by “connecting to her childlike soul”, the designer focused on connecting with her emotions and childhood through art for her designs. The charming yet outlandish capsule collection was featured in the prestigious list “Standout Class of 2022 Show” by Vogue Runway, as well as WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) Magazine’s “Fashion’s Future” feature.
“To be childlike is to be simply: fearless, spontaneous, curious, imaginative, generous, and enthusiastic. I realized that it was not about how fast I could achieve my hopes and dreams, but how I could enjoy the process of accomplishing them along the way,” Sofia shared about her collection.
The 5-piece capsule featured mod-inspired crochet and knitted pieces in voluminous silhouettes. They came in vibrant colors paprika, fuschia, lemon and periwinkle and mauve . The crocheted and knitted dresses were embellised with pearls and handcrafted flowers, while some with satin ruffles, and organza.
“That collection was a significant milestone for me because I had created it at the height of the pandemic, during a time of confusion and hopelessness. I poured my emotions into my art and sought comfort and security by going back to the fond memories of my childhood,” she added.
“By embracing what it means to be ‘childlike,’ I was able to rediscover and reconnect with facets of myself that I had lost over the years. For me, to be childlike is to be fearless, spontaneous, honest, loving, curious, imaginative, generous, and enthusiastic,” she explains. And that childlike innocence and unique artistic perspective is what she fully and proudly displayed in her defining collection.”
This style visionary eventually worked as an assistant designer briefly at world-renowened clothing label Anthropologie for Maeve, where she was “focusing on their soft woven dresses, skirts, sets, and blouses.”
“It feels surreal to be recognized by these global publications, and at this early stage of my career, I am further motivated to pursue my craft and hone my artistic vision. I would like to express my gratitude to my peers and mentors at SCAD for their support in helping me build greater confidence as a global designer.”
Now back in the Philippines, the young designer has launched her eponymous label Sofia Carmela Atelier and inaugurated her flagship boutique in Sta. Rosa, Laguna — marking an exciting new chapter in her journey.
Sofia’s passion continues to blaze as she gears up to introduce the Sofia Carmela 2024 Bridal Collection soon, offering unconventional brides something with a little more whimsy and wonder.
“My goal is that on your big day, you feel like you truly own the stage. I can transform your dreams into a dress and let you live out your fantasy.”
“Through my designs, I want women to feel beautiful, confident, and fearless – and to also have fun in exploring their personal style,” she beamed.
Learn more about this designer on the rise at www.sofiacarmela.com or visit the Sofia Carmela Atelier in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. For more information, call +63 939 926 1512, or follow her instagram @sofiacarmelaatelier.