A dose of Andrea Tetangco’s design alchemy
How does an extra flap of fabric turn an otherwise immaculate yet nondescript sleeveless top into such a delectable piece? How does a volumized tube top manage to flatter all body types? How does a no-nonsense, shapeless jumpsuit do so much for the female form?
The answer lies in getting a dose of Andrea Tetangco’s alchemy, infusing Mosaic’s signature classic casual aesthetic with the delicately feminine flair her brand of bridal and evening couture has been known for.
The first designer collaboration by the homegrown label in five years, the collection launched on Jan. 23 in all Mosaic boutiques, as well as its online store.
Tetangco drew from their shared vision of timelessness when she created the looks for this 10-piece collection, taking versatility to a whole new level.
“If you buy any of these pieces, I’m sure you can still wear it in five or 10 years,” she told Lifestyle. “It’s classic but still contemporary. It’s timeless, but it’s also not boring.”
Keeping to a limited yet sophisticated palette of whites, blacks, reds, and burgundy, the young designer plays with understated details that serve to elevate simple looks: flutter sleeves, gathered neckline, detachable strip of fabric that can be worn a number of ways.
“I like adding details, like playful cuts that are not really overpowering,” Tetangco said. “I always add something to a basic piece that will actually make you stand out in a good way.”
Younger market
Mosaic cofounder Jojo Chua said Tetangco’s fresh and slightly dressier designs bring a younger market to the Mosaic brand. (“I think her market is our market, just on the younger side,” he said.) But there was an “effortless synergy” throughout the collaboration, shared Chua’s cousin and cofounder Rachelle Montano.
“It’s not similar, but it’s something that elevates our brand. She’s into minimalist styles also, and I really wanted that,” she said. “We knew that incorporating her designs would bring the X factor to Mosaic styling.”
Chua agreed. “Her collection is more elevated than our casual style, but you can tone it down with jeans, and you can dress it up for any occasion. So in a sense, it’s almost the same as Mosaic, but a little above the casual.”
“What I saw from Andrea when we talked to her was that her role is not to make the customer just beautiful but also happy,” which reflects Mosaic’s own philosophy, he added.
In designing the pieces, Tetangco, who has been in the industry for 17 years, was mindful of the clothes’ comfort and wearability. She created pieces that fit women of all ages, shapes, sizes, statuses, and styles, and which can be worn on any occasion—day or night.
She’s also particular about the materials she uses. “I always believe that design also comes with the right material.”
The premium crepe fabric gives the clothes a luxe feel without being overbearing. “We made sure the fabrics are also wearable,” she added.
“Aside from the designs, of course, we also consider the touch and feel,” said Chua. “We configure even the fabrics based on our weather so although it’s not really sweat-proof, it conforms to our weather.”
“You can wear it to the beach,” Tetangco offered. “On normal days when you go to lunch, you can wear it with shorts and sneakers; it’s cute. And you can also wear it at night with heels. I like that flexibility.”
