DESIGNER Katrina Goulbourn has married tradition with contemporary demands by introducing her first collection of baptismal gowns dubbed as ?Small, Small World.?

As far as we know, this must be the first major off-the-rack line in the christening gown niche market in the country. (In the ?70s and ?80s, Malu Veloso designed baptismal gowns that were popular in the high-end market.)

The venture is an extension of Goulbourn?s bridal gown line for Silk Cocoon, the family-owned business that specializes in made-to-order bridal gowns, formal dresses and barongs made of exquisite fabrics.

?I noticed that both here and abroad, christening gowns have one particular and romantic look, which is lovely but leaves little variety,? says Goulbourn. ?I have clients and friends who were looking for something different for their babies and were excited to have color and design that were unconventional but still elegant.?

Even before she recognized the need for today?s parents to express themselves through their kids, Goulbourn had already attended to several of her ?brides,? who came back to her a year or two later to have their babies? baptismal gowns made.

?Most of these people, including their friends, couldn?t find anything on the market that they liked.?

Sitting in front of the sewing machine and making their babies? gowns like they used to in the old days was out of the question. Today?s harried parents (and grandparents) have little time to spare.

Apart from the Silk Cocoon shop in Makati, the designer?s baptismal gowns are available off-the-rack at the children?s wear section of Rustan?s Makati and Alabang.

Distinct styles

In keeping with her training as couture designer, Goulbourn made sure no two pieces are alike as she combined such materials as piña silk, brocade, organza, taffeta with intricate trimmings such as lace, ribbons and embroidery.

After years of being limited to white and ivory, the market can now choose from various colors and distinct styles that are far from unisex. That doesn?t mean, however, that Goulbourn has turned her back on traditional designs and neutral hues.

For her debut collection, Goulbourn was inspired by the country?s mixed heritage. Apart from Filipino touches, the gowns have Chinese and Spanish influences.

?My line offers a range of traditional and unconventional options for babies,? she says. ?Overall, I have been able to bring new elements into my designs so they still distinctly represent my point of view.?

Being married and faced with the prospect of having kids of her own have made this latest venture all the more personal to her.

?Inspiration came quickly once I let my imagination go,? says Goulbourn. ?Sources range from exploring childhood memories, fairy tales and history, to having dear friends with babies themselves.?

And thanks to her years of experience as a designer for Silk Cocoon, she was able to maximize the use of the company?s famous hand-woven silk.

Tapping the company?s embroiderers, she executed her ideas and produced exclusive designs and appliqué work. Goulbourn went as far as dyeing the smallest piece of fabric to get the color she wanted.

Support

Such was her passion for the new line that she was also involved in its production and packaging. Her mom, the famous designer Jeannie Goulbourn, totally understood the creative process and gave her full support.

Her mom?s advice, says Goulbourn, proved invaluable as Katrina explored uncharted territory in their factory.

?Believe it or not, it?s actually just as, if not more, time-consuming to make small christening gowns as it is women?s dresses,? she shares. ?With so many different patterns and details to work on in one garment, it takes quite a while to sew a small sleeve, a tiny collar and even little booties.?

She now appreciates and understands why specialty infant?s wear can be more expensive than adult?s clothes despite the little yardage of fabric.

Surprisingly, with a price range of P10,000 to P16,000, Goulbourn?s baptismal creations are in demand. She also accepts custom-made orders.

What?s spending a few thousands on your child?s christening? After all, such a once-in-a-lifetime event (which no longer applies to a good number of marriages these days), deserves something unique and special.