At a time when trends change at the speed of a scroll, and clothing is often designed to be worn once and forgotten, one young designer is stitching a new story, thread by thread, bead by bead. Meet PATRICIA BRONIOLA, a Filipina fashion designer whose namesake brand is as playful as it is purposeful, built on the belief that clothing should be a celebration of creativity, intention, and care.
In this conversation, Patricia opens up about her journey into fashion, the values behind her whimsical designs, and how her brand hopes to empower both wearers and makers in meaningful ways.
Fashion designer, PATRICIA BRONIOLA, with her former Arts and Design adviser in senior high school, Likha+Mundo Founder and President, Iiko Asuque
From Childhood Dreams to a Namesake Brand
Patricia’s love for fashion began early. “I realized that I wanted to pursue fashion design around age 11 or 12,” she shares. “I started taking fashion design classes at an early age. In senior high, I told my mom I really wanted to take Arts and Design, and that’s how I met Ms. Iiko (Arts and Design class adviser).” It was in senior high school that Patricia began to see art in a new light -- not just as a form of self-expression, but as a way to uplift and serve communities. Design school deepened that purpose, offering more than just technical training. It became a space for her to explore her creative voice, refine her strengths, and grow into the kind of designer she was meant to be.
“I think my projects (in school) were always, like, gowns and beading, very intricate pieces. I think I realized that, ok, those are my strengths and I really wanted to work on it,” she explains. Today, that same love for intricacy shows in the delicate embroidery, crochet, and beading that define her brand.
TOP PHOTO: Patricia's project for an exhibit in senior high school (Arts and Design). BOTTOM PHOTO: Patricia's embroidery and bead work in her current collection
Quirky, Silly, and Handcrafted with Heart
The Patricia Broniola brand is a delightful blend of the whimsical and the wearable. Rather than focusing on custom gowns, Patricia brings handwork to everyday fashion, turning basics into pieces of art. “I really wanted to put more details on the everyday clothes that we’re wearing,” she says. “I want to focus on craftsmanship and creativity with my designs; that is why they’re always whimsical and silly.”
But beneath the playfulness is a serious purpose. Patricia’s designs are a response to fast fashion and its culture of overconsumption. “During my time in school, I realized that fast fashion is a thing right now and it really kind of promotes consumerism, too much consumption and the idea that clothes should be worn just once and then never again. So it kind of devalues the pieces that you’re wearing,” she explains. “I really wanted to break that idea. That’s why all of my pieces are handmade and made with care, and you know that there was a lot of thought and effort that was put into it. Hopefully, other brands would follow suit and we can veer away from fast fashion, and really adopt mindful practices in making garments.”
LEFT: Black & White Ace of Spades Dress with Beaded Details . “Down the Rabbit Hole” on the runway of Sinulid 2024: Beyond Boundaries. Runway Photos by @bimpoman. RIGHT: The Starlight Cut-out Dress. Powered by @benildehifi & @sparkprojecthq. Photographed by @whenzy.quijano. Creative Direction by @whenzy.quijano. Model: @ruthlainezz
Looking Ahead: A Studio, A Community, A Movement
For Patricia, the dream doesn’t end with selling beautiful clothes. She hopes to build a studio, work with local communities, and create opportunities for others, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. “I want to partner with communities who want to get into the arts, and focus on skill-building and mindfulness,” she says. “Hopefully, my brand can give them the power to support their families and their day-to-day lives.”
Right now, Patricia is running a crowdfunding campaign to help bring these dreams to life. The funds will go toward establishing a creative studio, collaborating with artisan communities, and sustaining the brand’s early operations. As a “baby startup,” every bit of support, from funding to simply sharing her story, makes a big difference.
From Patricia Broniola's S/S '24 DEBUT COLLECTION: Down the Rabbit Hole
Why Supporting Brands Like Patricia’s Matters
Patricia Broniola is part of a new wave of Filipino designers who are reshaping the industry with heart and vision. She proves that fashion can be expressive and joyful without losing sight of responsibility and respect for people, for process, and for the planet. Her journey is a reminder that behind every garment is a maker with a story, a vision, and a purpose worth backing.
Supporting brands like Patricia’s means more than just wearing something beautiful. It means choosing to invest in craftsmanship over convenience, community over consumption, and creativity over conformity. Whether it’s through crowdfunding, spreading the word, or simply choosing pieces that align with your values, every small gesture counts.
Let’s choose fashion that honors craftsmanship, uplifts local talent, and moves with meaning.
TOP LEFT: The Kismet Poncho. TOP RIGHT: Lucky Bag Charm. BOTTOM: The Cosmic Express and The Felicity Teacup Skirt. From Patricia Broniola's Lucky Strike Collection.
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Help Stitch the Dream Together
Patricia is building more than a brand -- she’s creating a movement rooted in mindfulness, creativity, community, and care. You can support her by visiting her social media pages and purchasing pieces or rewards from her crowdfunding campaign. You can also share this article and her socials to help more people discover and support her campaign. Every thread counts! 💖
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia.broniola/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574672708448