Weaving a story through each stitch and embroidery
Dear Mama Pilar,
I was only 8 years old when you passed away, yet I remember the world you lived in so vividly—the glamorous ladies lining the New Yorker, the bolts of fabric and hustle and bustle of the craftswomen putting together an ensemble for your many clients. From thereon, I already knew I wanted to be part of it.
Forty-three years later, I am here continuously celebrating you.
With every bead, trimming, feather we still have from your travels, I learned that creating a dress or gown not only meant to make someone look good, but entailed relationships with the client as well as artisans who constructed each piece, weaving a story to tell through each stitch and embroidery.
With every photo we have and story from Mom and your clients, I learned of the person you were. It made me understand this vocation and built my advocacy of championing Filipino creativity and craftsmanship based on your standards, and not settling for anything less than perfect, all of which I carry with me today and every day.
I love you! You are with me always and every step of the way.
Tina
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Florentina “Tine” Romack Lirag is the granddaughter of Pilar Ver Romack, who founded Manila’s New Yorker Gown Salon in 1935. The owner of Romack Manila, Lirag is a third-generation fashion purveyor and artisan.
