Happiness by design • Vania Romoff

MANILA, Philippines - Vania Krizia Sta. Cruz Romoff, or simply Vania Romoff as she is known professionally, is the one of the youngest sources of pride of the Queen City of the South. Her fresh take on haute couture — simple, classical lines that are more forward-looking but never over-the-top — has been recognized and applauded by the industry. In the process, Vania has garnered a sizeable (and constantly increasing) female clientele.

Her young and innovative approach to design makes Vania a breed apart from the rest. “My clients know what I make. These are the creations that I would also basically wear. This makes my job very much easier,” says Vania, who is adept in making eveningwear and casual apparel.

“When I’m passionate about something, that’s what I intently pursue. I am a creative person that’s why I like having a creative outlet, which is fashion,” she muses.  

An alumna of Business Entrepreneurship from the Center for International Education in Cebu, Vania admits that her course is a far cry from her current job description.

“I just didn’t want to deal with numbers and contracts. My 98-year-old Cebuana paternal grandmother was the first couturier in Cebu. I basically grew up around sastres and modistas, with lots of mannequins and telas all over. Both my mother and my sister are garment manufacturers; my brother is also a fashion designer based in Cebu. I grew up around fashion. It was a natural path for me so I ventured into this field as well,” Vania recalls.

Her mother, Virgie Sta. Cruz, would have wanted Vania to take on the more corporate side of their business. However, upon sensing Vania’s love and knack for fashion, Virgie gave her all-out support to her youngest daughter.

“I’m still in the learning curve and still growing. I’ve only been in the business for a few years. I started when I was in college when I would make clothes that I would wear and make for my friends as well for free,” reminisces Vania, who initially wanted to be an interior designer.

Vania also used to work at Starbucks. Being the enterprising newbie that she was, she would let her clients fit her creations inside the restroom. There, she would also draw on her sketchpad discreetly because she didn’t have her own shop.

“Everyone has to start small. I’d like to think I worked hard for what and where I am now. I’m thankful because the competition in Manila is really cutthroat,” Vania states.

“I can’t describe the feeling I get when I see a woman feeling happy and beautiful. I am not a doctor; I don’t heal illnesses or save lives. But when I make women feel happy because of how they look through my creations, it’s a different sense of satisfaction. It makes me happy and it’s worth all the hard work,” she concludes.

Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Styling by RUDOLPH LEONOR • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Hairstyling by AVRIL SEGUIN • Both dresses by VANIA ROMOFF • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Shot on location at the FAIRMONT PRESIDENTIAL SUITE