Quality over quantity: Filipino bag brand thrives with slow production
When local bag brand Gouache first launched its line of functional and fashionable pieces made mainly of waxed canvas and leather, in colors that pay homage to its namesake, an ancient painting technique, it was the power of community that convinced husband-and-wife founders Louie Poco and Ann Enriquez that theirs was a brand that was ready for the retail market, thanks to the overwhelming crowdfunding support they received from loyal customers.
Over 10 years down the line, Gouache still stands because of the community the brand has built, which has led to the recent unveiling of its Marikina showroom and workshop (8 Mt. Kennedy St., Mountain View Subdivision, San Roque)—a space where their skilled artisans bring each piece to life through expert handiwork that blends the traditional and modern, one stitch at a time.
The showroom and workshop, says Enriquez, is a dream come true for her and Poco (of retro pop band The Bloomfields fame). Where a house once stood now stores and displays all of Gouache’s designs at the front, while all the magic happens in the back, a spacious area designed to provide their makers a comfortable production space.
“That’s really the reason we have this space: We want to build relationships,” says Enriquez. “We’ve never had a maker who has left us; the ones who were with us from the start are still here, and we’re just growing our group. It’s because we want that mastery of the skill among our makers.”
Client collaboration
Opening a showroom/workshop has also allowed Gouache (@gouachebags om Instagram) to create more collaborations with their clients, who can now request special designs in bulk orders (minimum is 20-30 pieces), tailored according to their specific needs.
At the time Lifestyle visited the showroom, a prototype of a bag for motorcycle riders was in the works—a tall backpack that can be used as a motorbike’s carrier.
Enriquez says the process starts with the client submitting design pegs to Gouache and discussing with the team what they plan to use the bag for, fleshing out the features and functionality that they want to see. It’s a “true partnership,” she emphasizes. “We don’t just take orders. We work closely with clients throughout the process, incorporating their feedback to refine prototypes.”
From there, Gouache creates a digital mock-up of the design, and then tweaks it based on client feedback. A physical prototype is then produced (for a fee), since it’s at this stage when clients can get the full experience of their customized design, and decide on further tweaks they want to be applied.
“We also consider their budget, and adjust the materials we use based on that, such as the bag’s hardware,” Enriquez adds. The meticulous attention to detail ensures that each bag is not only beautiful, but also perfectly suited to the client’s needs.
In an industry still ruled by fast fashion, Gouache is happy to provide their service and space to their discerning clientele, who support the brand’s championing of slow production and elegant iteration. For Enriquez, the ultimate goal is for Gouache to become a “heritage brand”—one that focuses on creating timeless pieces that are built to last.
“We could have gone the traditional route,” Enriquez says. “But we felt a responsibility to create a brand with a conscience.” —Contributed
