A decent Proposal

"What rock were you hiding under?"

Fashion designer Michi Calica has had her fair share of that question over the last six years. "People think I disappeared," she laughs. Her absence in the press circuit has been noticeable, as Michi used to consistently make headline news, being part of a fresh, new breed of young designers that took the fashion industry by storm in the mid ‘90s.

Michi, known for her elegant bridal gowns and chic cocktail dresses was sorely missed, but was not at all, hiding under a rock.

The past few years has had the designer focusing on her bridal business, establishing tight relationships with regular clients and new brides to be. "The last six years has trained me well," she explains. Working intensively on collaborations at her home studio has allowed her to hone her skills as a designer, but the routine and the work-at-home set-up was taking toll on Michi’s creativity. "I realized that it’s not good to get too comfortable with any set-up for too long," she says.

This year, Michi has decided to shake things up and venture out of her home-based studio and into the public eye once again. May 2006 saw the launch of her new atelier, Michi Calica Bridal & Home, a bridal and lifestyle shop that caters not only to brides-to-be, but to anyone in search of giving an extra oomph to their wardrobes or homes. "Convenience is really the name of the game," says Michi, who has expanded her business to include off the shelf wedding gowns and cocktail dresses.

"When clients come to me, they always ask for recommendations on what shoes to wear, or what jewelry or bag matches their outfits. With the shop, they find everything all at the same time."

Fashion-savvy folk who look forward to one-on-one sessions with Michi will find the same elegant styles in the gowns her ready to wear line offers.

"Of course, these dresses come at a slightly lower price compared to the customized gowns," she says, "but the quality and the style philosophy is exactly the same." Clients can expect the same uncomplicated cuts and refined beading that Michi has become famous for over the years. Michi’s latest collection of bridal gowns boasts of gowns that run the gamut of styles. A graceful Grecian cut gives added height and fluidity to just about any bride, while a sophisticated collared gown accessorized by a bold, golden-hued belt gives off a more glamorous, Hollywood feel. Michi has also perfected the classic, princess-inspired gown with her timeless cuts, elaborate beading and flourishes like sweeping large bows that give impressions that last.

Michi admits that her expansion into prêt-a-porter has gotten her creative juices flowing non-stop. "I haven’t stopped designing since the store opened!" she says excitedly. "Every week, we have new styles that are all fresh and young." The summer season saw fresh, botanical prints lined with candy-colored trim as well as pique dresses with tasteful peek-a-boos. Michi kicked off the rainy season with stylish stretch jerseys trimmed with chic silk. "My style has really changed since I started doing off the shelf," Michi explains. "I was able to go back to the way I designed in my early 20s – everything I do is more fun now." Michi admits that having worked in the bridal circuit for years on end has constricted her taste to serious and sophisticated styles. "I remember at that time, I always carried a leather, designer bag and always just wore fine jewelry," she says. "You could say I was in bridal mode all the time."

"These days, I realize that fun can be sophisticated too" she adds. "I was able to go back to what’s closest to me." Fifteen years in the fashion industry has indeed granted Michi the perks of experience and the ability to take on other areas of design.

Michi Calica Bridal & Home includes a wide array of tasteful furniture conceptualized by Michi herself, in collaboration with architect, interior designer and product designer Jo Ang. "We go over our looks every few months," Michi says. "Although we’ve come to see that furniture deliveries move fast because the items are sold pretty quickly." Furniture ranges from sleek, wooden tables to funky lamps to digital art that couples can hang on the walls of their starter homes.

"What’s interesting about having a store is I’m able to give my clients a complete experience," says Michi. Everything from the personalized service down to the packaging, she says, is part and parcel of the experience one derives from a visit to her store. The shop is located at Oasis, a wedding-centric venue along Aurora Boulevard, which houses other wedding suppliers as well: an invitation designer, a wedding photographer, and even a make-up artist. "Oasis itself is a reception venue," Michi explains. Her shop overlooks the main property, which can fit up to 550 people. "Every time I look outside, I see a wedding!"

Michi sees the opening of her store as a chance to broaden her horizons as an artist and designer, but also as an opportunity to help out the country. "I just recently read an article that talked about how small and medium businesses are providing the major boosts to the economy," she says. "Since I set up shop, I’ve been doing all my own business plans and research, and it feels good to know that you’re helping out the economy."

With so many plans for the future and with her new ventures keeping her busy today, it’s easy to see how Michi Calica has been reborn. "I’m alive again!" she laughs. Thanks to Michi’s rebirth, the Filipino fashion and design scene has experienced fresh talent once again.