The artistry of Manansala

For the woman who likes to keep her clothing silhouette simple, designer Ericson Manansala is a dream come true.

Manansala’s jewelry and accessories creations have whimsical, eye-catching and ornate features that make perfect accents to otherwise austere and plain lines. A graduate of Fine Arts (major in Visual Communication) from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Pampanga-based Manansala joined the Guild of the Philippine Jewellers’ jewelry design competition when he was in third year college and was proclaimed the grand winner. He joined and won a few more design competitions  after that, further affirming his decision to pursue jewelry and accessory design as a career.

Manansala recounts, “When I graduated from college, a jewelry company from Dubai asked me to work for a new brand of watch and jewelry so I went there for a short stint in 2009 then came home to the Philippines to work for a jewelry export outfit. Later on, I decided to take a leap of faith and venture on my own.

Recalling a particularly interesting incident, Eric shares, “Starting in the business, I had such a poor concept of business concerns such as pricing and costs. I actually remember one incident on my first year as a designer, I had to deliver a neckpiece worth P450, (Yes 450! And it took me two days to finish!) to Manila. I literally had nothing left when I got home. Everything was spent on my trip. But experiences such as that push me to strive harder.”

On his style philosophy, Manansala admits, “I am not the minimalist type of designer, I usually want it bold and opulent. Since I started as a fine jewelry designer, I’ve always been fascinated with metals and stones. But fine jewelry manufacturing was not possible for me to do when I started on my own because it’s too costly. So I started looking for materials that I could afford and source myself. I used crystals, semi-precious stones, brooches and chains on my accessories line.”

When asked to make a short list of tips for women in their accessory choices, Manansala shared the following:

1. In choosing your accessories, a woman has to be true to her personality and choose the accessory that best embodies her.

2. Try to have the basic accessories/jewelry like stud crystals, diamonds or pearls. These are the type that will stand time. Ladies will always find themselves back to the classics.

3. On necklaces, it is wise to take the collar into consideration. For instance, a crew neckline fits Peter Pan collars. A button-down blouse can be paired with bibs. Wear one statement piece at a time to put the focus on your ensemble.

4. Do not be afraid of colors. By all means use a vibrantly colored accessory piece to match a simple outfit. Have fun, put on an arm party by piling on the bracelets! Layer your pendants! Do not be afraid to try new things.

(To see more of Eric Manansala’s work, visit www.facebook.com/ericsonmanansala.)

Photography by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada • Hair and makeup by Raz Rimor (0906-967-3269) • Model: Malu Mello • All accessories by Ericson Manansala  (0927-833-4611.)