Andrea Tetangco does RTW
When I’m out in the streets, I want to see more women wearing me,” said fashion designer Andrea Tetangco, who showed her ready-to-wear collection at her newly opened shop on the third floor of Kirov Tower, Proscenium at Rockwell in Makati City.
Tetangco is known for contemporary bridal gowns and evening wear—that’s what you will most likely see if you check her out on Instagram—but a visit to her new atelier will show you a new side to the designer—her Spring/Summer 2025 collection. It’s her first ready-to-wear collection.
“I always stick to the classic two pieces. The design is timeless, but you will see contemporary pieces,” she said of her designs. “That’s always been my goal, to make my clients look effortlessly chic. I want them to feel confident when they wear my clothes.”
Tetangco started her career 17 years ago, driven by her passion to create intricate designs that celebrate the female form.
“I’m not the typical designer who knew early on that I wanted to design clothes. But I already knew that I wanted to be successful, that I wanted to lead and to inspire,” said Tetangco, who added that it was people around her who helped lead her to a design career.
“It was my sister Ciara who pushed me. She said, ‘Since you don’t know what to do, why don’t you try it first until you discover what you really want.’ Without Ciara, I don’t think this is where I’d end up.”
Building good relationships
Tetangco studied at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, then took up short fashion design courses at Central St. Martins in London. “Designer na pala talaga ang gusto ko,” Tetangco said, laughing. “I want to be successful. It’s because of this mindset that I’ve lasted in this business for 17 years.
“I always tell the younger generation that being creative is not enough. Running a business, which is actually what most fashion schools fail to teach, is also very important. Equally important is building good relationships with the people around you—not just with your clients but also with your staff. At the end of the day, it’s really about having a good heart and values.”
Creativity will flow if you have a good rhythm with everyone, the designer pointed out. “I built my business from scratch. It’s hard for someone like me who doesn’t have any corporate background—maraming palpak,” she said.
It was Tetangco’s sister who always reminded her to treat her people right. “Whatever I have now is also because of my people. I have staff members who have been with me since the beginning,” she said.
Of her new shop, Tetangco said she has been eyeing the location since 2019. For her, the move is more than just a change of address. She hopes to reach more clients who value contemporary designs.
From Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong, her atelier is now home to women seeking bespoke pieces or wanting to create bold statements. “This is a prime spot. Most of my clients are also in the Makati area. The demographic here are the fashionistas, and those who really attend events,” she said.
Tetangco said she usually asks clients three questions. “I ask them about the event first, and then the venue, and what they are comfortable wearing … I don’t want to force someone to wear something that she wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing.”
Tetangco, who presented her 2025 RTW collection at New York Fashion Week, said, “It’s nice that more of us are going global. I agree that Filipino designers are very creative, especially since it’s hard to get raw materials here. You can outsource if you have the means, but if you don’t, you have to work with whatever is available here.”
