THE MESTIZO LA; A FUSION OF CULTURES AT VFW S/S 2025

November 6, 2024 | 3:34 pm

At Vancouver Fashion Week( VFW) on October 23rd, The Mestizo LA collection stood out as a striking testament to the power of cultural fusion. VFW has a long history of showing designers who bring their personal and cultural stories to the runway. The brand, co-founded by designer Gil Gabriel Gonzales, delivered a bold narrative woven from his dual heritage—deeply rooted in the traditions of Manila, Philippines, and the contemporary vibe of Los Angeles, California. The collection beautifully embodied a dialogue between East and West, capturing the essence of both in each thoughtfully crafted piece. With a commitment to slow fashion and inclusivity, The Mestizo LA honours Gonzales’ family lineage, blending rich Filipino craftsmanship with the dynamic influences of Western fashion. The result? A celebration of heritage, style, and the future of global fashion.

Gil Gabriel Gonzales- A Biography

Gil Gabriel Gonzales, affectionately known as Gabe, is a Filipino-American who comes to VFW from Los Angeles via Chicago and Manilla. Once a medical professional, Gabe gradually moved toward his family's 50-year-old fashion business, which his mother started in the Philippines. After taking over as CEO of the business, despite his success in healthcare, the flame of his fashion aspirations continued to burn brightly within him.

In 2021, with his partner Robert Kolosso, Gabe boldly launched The Mestizo LA, a brand that reflects their mixed heritage and encourages inclusivity in fashion. The brand's name, "Mestizo," denotes a person of mixed races, symbolizing not only Robert & Gabe's Filipino and Caucasian background but also celebrating the amalgamation of cultures through fashion. Each item designed by The Mestizo LA is crafted to be accessible and wearable for everyone, embodying a unique blend of aesthetics and cultural narratives. Biographical notes adapted from Vancouver Fashion Week

THE MESTIZO LA

A REVIEW

I met Gabe and Robert just before their show on the VFW runway. They both carefully looked over the model's rehearsal. This a partnership where Gabe and Robert share their roles in creating an inclusive brand that celebrates their mixed cultures. Gabe said, " We are building a personal brand that people feel attached to. In Los Angeles we launch our collections in small, intimate gatherings where our clients get to know us and our clothes."

This personal approach is evident in the meticulously crafted garments on the runway. The brand reflects mixed culture and celebrates family. The Mestizo name refers to mixed culture. The duality of cultures is expressed in the clothes, where Filipino traditional decoration and details are paired with contemporary Western silhouettes and styling.

The collection had the vibe of a chic, elegant party either in Manilla or Malibu. The women's dresses were sleek and sophisticated, with the Philippines' signature butterfly sleeves evoking grace and feminity. The collection seamlessly blended contemporary silhouettes and authentic motifs. The silhouettes ranged from a traditional Filipino column to a full tulle skirt. The decoration was elaborate, with intricate embroidery, beading, and lace. Large-scale plaid, a gingham seersucker bodice, and exposed mid-drifts add a youthful energy. Standout pieces include the opening dress in turquoise silk, scattered with a floral rainbow. Equally memorable is the closing look in a neutral beige, with a copper one-shouldered bodice delicately embroidered with flowers.

Mixed among the women's dresses were men wearing less formal baro shirts, reinterpreted with brighter colours and patterns. The men may have been attending a different party with more laid-back designs, evoking a California beach feel.

The Mestizo LA brand showed a keen attention to detail and culture. The" terno," the traditional Filipina dress, has evolved over decades. In the hands of contemporary designers, the interpretation of the beloved national dress takes on so many styles. In this collection, the designer has mastered his understanding of traditional and current. There was an ease and accessibility to the collection that pays tribute to the conventional culture and stylish, chic design.