Made from memories: House of Serafina

MANILA, Philippines – It comes as no surprise that the family behind House of Serafina has been able to put together a successful accessories collection which has taken Manila by storm.

Siblings Arlu and Cristina Gomez form the creative energy needed to design heirloom pieces that are proudly made in the Philippines, while Arlu’s partner, Anthony Cospito, heads the marketing for their homegrown company throughout digitally connected Asia.  

Artistic teamwork is what has catapulted this family business to its early success, but the stories, ideas, and passion behind this company will ensure that their accessory line becomes a familiar name within households internationally.

“Angel with an edge”

Serafina, which means “angel with an edge,” launched in November, and many ladies from Manila’s fashion community were caught up in the shopping frenzy that occurs when women and beautiful things are present in the same space.  

Shoppers who were present at their Buddha Bar debut clearly appreciated the thought that went into the clutches, the versatility of the lariats and the substance behind using repurposed materials in their designs as well.  

It’s clear that House of Serafina was born out of a love for all things beautiful, and this appreciation began from the jewelry collections of the family’s matriarchs in Malabon. From Grandma Mary, who would sew new frocks for each of her daughters and granddaughters when they were all together, to Lola Maming who had a younger Cristina mesmerized by her collection of precious and semi-precious jewels, it is clear that this family has had an affinity for fashion and shiny baubles.

The one ring

The inspiration for Serafina came from Arlu and Cristina’s Mom, Dandy. Dandy, who used to model for iconic designers like Aureo Alonzo and Pitoy Moreno, had passed on her love of accessorizing to both of her children. It was during a recent family trip, however, that entailed the clearing of their ancestral home in Malabon, when they came upon Grandma Mary’s antique tambourine-like ring.  

That ring provided the opportunity for the family to see Serafina come to life. Cristina was immediately drawn to it. When her mother Dandy saw this, she planted the seed that would later have Cristina, Arlu, and Anthony creating elegant statement pieces which had an antique feel, but were as attainable as they were luxurious. This birthed the detailed, feminine, fashionable designs that would be valued not just by Cristina’s friends and contemporaries, but by women of all ages.  

It is that creative energy that is felt in their presence, and ultimately what transforms raw materials into classic pieces that can be pulled off with different ensembles. 

It’s apparent when you see the team all together. In fact, the designs are much like Cristina, who is at the creative helm of the company. Upon first meeting, she carries a certain elegance and grace that is usually inherent in women twice her age, simply because of their experience and wisdom. But, the more you spend time with her, you can see that even her personality is both classy and timeless, yet still young, bubbly, and vibrant.  

Cristina, at age 8, was so mesmerized by a ring that she implored her mother to add it to her jewelry collection. Said ring was also a family heirloom that of course Mom, Dandy, had no problem justifying the purchase because her daughter said she HAD to have it. 8-year-old Cristina wanted her mother to “issue the check” on the spot so they could take the ring home. This story does not seem so far fetched, for the woman whom I was able to interview is very sure of what she wants in her collection as Serafina continues to develop as a brand. 

Cristina may be the only one in the team who has completed a fashion degree in Milan, but the strong sense of fashion and style really does run in the family. From the anecdotes and shared stories, I learned that all three Gomez family members present during our interview were models at some point in their lives.  

In the blood

Fashion and art run deep in this family, so much so, that even Arlu has gone back to school for a Fine Arts degree after a establishing himself as a leading fashion photographer.  Anthony, on the other hand, finds time to pursue his interests in art by traveling back and forth to NY for his Brooklyn Art Project in between writing books on Asia, digital connectivity and how it effects businesses large and small.

Serafina is a family affair that is deeply rooted in beauty, tradition and Filipino values.  With the owners behind the designs having a synergy and an enthusiasm that is only seen when someone truly loves what they are doing,(and the people they are doing it with) it is clear that the creativity and business decisions behind the company will bring beautiful statement pieces to add to anyone’s collection. 

With so many followers on social media, Cristina, Arlu, and Anthony see other opportunities for ladies who enjoy styling with accessories from Serafina. Empowering women entrepreneurs who believe in the quality and heirloom value of Serafina is next on the list as this triumvirate continues to contribute to women’s fashion one original design at a time. – Rappler.com