This designer is another w@w find. I came across her name months into the wedding planning. And now that we’re into the designer hunt, I made sure to set a meeting with her.
It
was a morning appointment at her shop in San Juan, and we got there right in
time. Adrin and I were led by Hana’s husband to their small office and after a
few minutes, Hana already joined us. She immediately struck me as very mahinhin and soft-spoken. I made my spiel about our purpose for the appointment, which
is to consult with her and check if she can make a design for me similar to my
preferences. I showed her the printouts of my gown pegs and that’s when she
started to work.
First
thing she did was to check my body type, after which she started sketching with
a sign pen (take note, sign pen, not pencil) in hand. Simultaneously, she is explaining
the type of materials she plans to use for the dress as well as the appliques
that’ll be carefully sewn on the fabric. I was surprised when she immediately outlined the back and
side views once the front look was done. She was the only designer we met
to care sketching the side view of her design. I was really happy she did that
because for me it indicates that she has a 360 degree picture in her mind of
something she might possibly create.
Hana
was also very proactive to show to us her fabric swatches for the different
layers of the gown, starting from the shell (innermost) to the outermost fabric. During the discussion, it
was also shared to us that the petticoats they provide are custom made for each client. This is somewhat different from the usual practice of other designers which is providing store-bought ones. After showing us the fabrics and petticoats, we were also able to see some beads and appliques
that she uses. And for us to better imagine how things will look once
everything has been put together, she let us see a gown already for fitting by one
of her clients.
After discussing details for the gown, we moved on to the (1) gown inclusions--veils, cord, pillows, and arrhae; (2) payment
terms, and (3) on the day service provided. Aside from that, Adrin and I made sure to
also check with her the rates and specifications for entourage dresses. At the
end of the meeting, we agreed that we’ll think about things first and will instantly
touch base with her once we decided to get her for my gown.
Just
like before, as soon as we got into the car, Adrin and I shared our
observations and take on the designer we’ve just met. I told him, I like
the fact that she was soft-spoken and mahinhin because it makes me comfortable to share all my ideas and preferences. I also find her very
organized, with all those carefully kept swatches; and into the details, because
of the way she has planned in that instant the fabric layering that will be
done. Not to mention the confidence I sensed behind the small soft voice,
considering that she’s only been into bridal gown designing for 2 years.
Adrin, on the other hand, found her very structural -- meaning she works with a plan and
carefully thought out steps in mind. He liked the fact that Hana’s first
consideration before designing anything was my body type. To him, this means
that Hana will only create something that will be flattering for me. It will
also be very good for us that this designer even thinks our maximum budget for
a bridal gown is more than enough for my preferred style. Makes us comfortable that we'll surely get our money's worth and won't be shortchanged should we decide to get her for the job.
As
of today, Hana of Saab Fashion House is the frontrunner couturier in our quest
for the perfect dress. Sorry no sketch pictures this time. Her paper output contains much too much detail that I find it inappropriate
to broadly share to the public.
Hana Saab-Tomacruz
Saab Fashion House
Cheers!
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