MANILA, Philippines ? One of the challenges of growing up is not knowing what one wants to be. Blessed are those who know early on their dreams. But what about those who don?t? Dig deep inside yourself to know what you enjoy doing the most.

For Michele Sison, there was no need for such introspection. At a young age, she was already showing an interest in fashion?she?d be sketching nonstop and dressing up her dolls with imaginative outfits formed out of handkerchiefs and scarves. Little did she know that, from dolls, she?d progress into dressing real, life-sized mannequins.

This interest never waned; she went to the University of the Philippines, where she graduated with a degree in Interior Design, then took up Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, graduating cum laude.
She then decided to master construction by taking courses in Advanced Pattern-making and Professional Sewing at Central Saint Martins in London (the alma mater of Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano).

Michele became an authority in craftsmanship and detail and decided to specialize in weddings, formal gowns and cocktail dresses.

Her clients fascinate her. Young and mature clients alike sometimes come with a downloaded, printed picture of an outfit they want ?copied.? Although she always desires to please her clients, she is not quick to say ?yes,? however, and instead first considers their body type and color match. She then makes suggestions so that the outfit becomes a product of a ?design collaboration,? not a knock-off.

Michele?s design ?philosophy? is to create something stunning out of the ordinary. She uses embellishment, even on a plain white T-shirt, by doing embroidery or beadwork. Lace, chiffon and crepes are her favorite fabrics?light, flowing materials that show off her girlish side.

Her most distinguishing designs are those on her brides? veils. Because for her, ideally, a woman should get married only once (Oh, dear!) and therefore wear a veil only once (Oh, dear, again!), she puts a lot of thought, creativity and uniqueness into bridal veils. She has done veils that are painted, embroidered, and beaded, always making sure that each reflects the bride?s personality.

To recover from stress inherent in her job, Michele spends quiet time in deep reflection and prayer early in the morning. Mind and soul fortified, she then hits the gym. Her fitting schedules in her atelier, Michele Sison et Kleid, start after lunch. She makes it a point to be home for dinner with her son. Her Sundays are sacred, pamper-me days.

Style and typicity

The petite designer goes for a wardrobe that is bold and flawless in construction?with a sense of young-spiritedness and sexy sophistication. The styles show a woman (not a girl) who possesses experience and depth. She fancies feminine shifts, rockabilly pencil skirts with tiny camis, or sleeveless corsets paired with jeans or shorts.

When work demands travel, her fave colors are black, white, red and blush nude?colors that are easy to match with her accent shoes.

Under currents

Michele?s dream-come-to-life didn?t come without pain. She is a widow, with a 16-year-old son. Struggling to find balance between work and raising a teenager by her lonesome, she worries a lot. ?My fingers and toes are crossed whenever he is not home, and I?m always hoping he is safe, well-behaved, and in the good company of friends.?

With a bit of sadness, she admits that he prefers to hang out with friends rather than with Mom, and urges her to ?chillax.? If only it were that easy.

Designer style tips

Michele?s advice is to be aware of your body type, so you can match the right silhouettes with your frame. She also encourages you to find the colors that flatter your skin tone. She emphasizes that just because you are not a size ?0? or 5?9? doesn?t mean you can?t wear what is fashionable.

Update your clothes with the latest trends, she says, but not necessarily adorn yourself head-to-toe with the latest in fashion. You should have fun establishing your own style, experiment safely, discover fearlessly, and dress gracefully.

Lastly, be an investment dresser, not necessarily a name-brand follower.

Michele Sison will hold her first ever gala at Establishment this October.