Arriba Ansaldo!

One look at Manila-based designer Tina Ansaldo Vasquez-Prada’s evening bags brings to mind the rustle of silk dresses, the glitter of jewels, the tinkling of champagne glasses and even strolls down the red carpet. Her series of evening bags is elegance materialized. Each hand-crafted piece is a one-of-a-kind creation with lustrous blend of rich fabric and semiprecious stones.

The inspiration behind the Ansaldo collection is Tina’s passion for creation. From conception to market, Tina meticulously chooses the fabrics for radiance and distinction in color and texture. And with her discerning use of semiprecious stones and embellishments, each bag is rendered a unique personality.

Armed with a diploma in Fashion Merchandising from the American College for the Applied Arts in Los Angeles, California, Tina has developed a select clientele that includes Queen Sofia of Spain who chanced upon Tina’s bags in a Madrid bazaar and since then has purchased several of Ansaldo bags. Even Prince Felipe has been reported to have bought an Ansaldo bag for his mother. It is no wonder that Spain is Tina’s largest market, selling to such boutiques as Amarcord (owned by Spanish international actress Penelope Cruz).

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