A step ahead with Cesar Gaupo

Excellence is a word that Cesar Gaupo is quite familiar with. His creations bear it as their trademark, and is the very reason why he is considered one of the Philippine fashion industry’s icons.

Gaupo’s work has not just consistently wowed Manila, but has likewise earned the admiration of an international clientele. His couture and ready-to-wear collections have been raved about for decades and his recent venture into the world of shoe couture has likewise set the local fashion industry abuzz.

It is no wonder then that Nescafe Gold celebrates his world-class talent and refined taste along with renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, fellow fashion designer Rajo Laurel, jewelry designer Ciara Marasigan-Serumgard, and bags and accessories designer Amina Aranaz-Alunan.

Gaupo’s career spans decades. As a young designer, he was lauded and mentored by the best in the industry.

By the 1970s, Gaupo was working with SM Shoemart and other fashion houses before eventually deciding to start his own business. It was during this time that he realized that it would take more than his expertise in fashion design to be successful in the fashion industry; he also had to hone his business acumen to make it work.

Gaupo likewise recognized the fact that to gain a loyal clientele, he needed to come up with creations that impressed him first.

He says: “Designing is not something that you do to be accepted or admired by people. For me, it’s something that will satisfy me, something that’s perfect in my own eyes and will satisfy my soul.”

Ever the true student of excellence, Gaupo applied this principle of “personal satisfaction” in his creations and eventually gained a loyal clientele. And it was one of his regular clients—who wore his creations in London and Hong Kong—who eventually led to his appointment as designer of the Hong Kong-based international lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang in the ’90s.

Today, Gaupo remains as meticulous as ever when it comes to his work, always emphasizing craftsmanship, quality, and creativity. So whether it’s a couture piece, a wedding gown, or stylish soles his clients are after, they know that they’re getting excellence in every Gaupo creation.

Gaupo rightfully deserves to be part of Nescafe Gold’s elite circle of artists of world-class talent and taste.