Flying high with fashion

Teresita Orillac, whose bird-inspired collection was recently showcased at the London Fashion Week, tells Janice Rodrigues about her fascination with plumage and feathers

It's not easy to bring out a collection inspired by nature. Whether it's the odd celebrity trend combining jumpsuits with leopard prints or thigh-high snakeskin boots, one thing is certain - nature-inspired clothing often treads a fine line between uber chic and just plain tacky. Exactly why budding designer Teresita Orillac's latest luxury ready-to-wear collection is a sight for sore eyes. After all, the Panama-based designer has an eye for striking designs and hues - and her collection not only helps women look their best, but is bringing a little piece of Panama into Dubai.
"I was born and raised in Panama," explains the designer, who has been living in Dubai over the last year. "It doesn't have a budding fashion scene, but it's rich in wildlife and home to some of the most beautiful bird species on the planet. Right before I left for Dubai, I was lucky enough to get a chance to go on a helicopter ride over the jungle with my sister, and we took some fabulous pictures of the birds over there. It was such an amazing experience - I guess when you live your whole life in a place, you don't really appreciate how beautiful it is until you have to leave."
When Teresita got her hands on those pictures weeks later, the colours and the beauty of the birds stunned her. "I immediately thought 'I have to do something with this'. That's how I got the idea for my collection 'Into the Jungle' - I got digital versions of the birds' feathers and used the print for the clothing."

'Into The Jungle', the line that was recently showcased at the London Fashion Week, includes exquisite pieces ranging from simple cocktail dresses to long, flowing skirts and intricate jackets, all displaying the vivacious colours of the plumage of three particular birds - the peacock, the blue and gold macaw and the gorgeous nicobar pigeon. Definitely something that stands out from a market brimming with the classic black and plaid options.
This may be Teresita's first foray into luxury fashion design, but she's no stranger to the world of high fashion. "As a child, I worked at my mum's party planning business where I was always surrounded by different colours and textures. But I always wanted to create a focal point in a way - draw people's eyes towards someone's best features."
At the age of 16, Teresita was already foraging into the field by started a pre-teen boutique store with the help of her mother and sisters. "I was a partner, buyer and merchandiser for the store. It taught me all about colours and proportions, and in many ways, it was like doing a masters degree at that age. I managed to learn so much about the business."
She went on to pursue a course in fashion merchandising with a scholarship from Johnson and Wales University and, after graduating, took up an internship with Chanel. She did gradually move back to Panama after a few years to help her mother open a furniture store but, in the end, the lure of the glam world of fashion design was too hard to resist.
"After a few years, I told my family that I had to get back into fashion. So I went to New York and did a course in image consulting and fashion styling. I realised that I had to stop thinking about what everyone else wanted and get into doing what I truly loved."
Along the way, Teresita also worked with fashion label Carolina Herrera, helping them prepare for the London Fashion Week - something she credits to helping her get ready for her own collection which debuted last week. She launched her brand, Teresita Orillac, in 2010 with a corporate wear and uniform line, and there has been no looking back since.
"I started my career in fashion because I love creating things that have the power to make someone feel confident, beautiful and make their daily lives more comfortable," the designer admits. After the success of London Fashion Week, Teresita is now all set to take her brand to an international level, and she plans to start with Dubai. "When my husband was posted here, I missed my country quite a bit. But, today, I feel like everything is finally coming together. This is my way of showcasing the beauty of Panama in a truly international environment."
For Teresita, the best part of her job is helping women look and feel their best. "Don't be victims of fashion," she advises. "Sometimes, women think too much about what's trending, but the best kind of beauty can be found when you are comfortable with yourself. Don't wear what a catalogue tells you to wear - wear what works for you."
janice@khaleejtimes.com