Young Designer Holds Private Sale for Guerra Manila

Carla Sta. Cruz - Guerra Manila Designer

Guerra Manila - A new fashion brand that is quickly making a reputation as a brand of quality and style. Carla Sta. Cruz is the young and creative designer who sets the directions of the brands. The brand currently caries bags that has a world-class appeal and standards. 

The humble, fun and quirky designer obliged us to a quick chat on her plans on the brand and reason for coming back to the Philippines. Designer Carla Sta. Cruz has been a designer since 2010, but has just graduated abroad finishing a design course. Carla shared that her first passion and strength is couture and then later on ended up designing fashion bags.

Guerra Manila SARAI Drawstring - Hand-woven goat leather drawstring bucket bag with a suede lining and zipped interior compartments. Available colors. Verde Oscuro, Café, Marròn, Menthe, Bluette, Violette, Negra

As any start up designer, it was challenging for Carla to start up her own brand. Good thing that she had a lot of experience designing and earning from it while she was in college. Last 2013, Carla decided to put up Guerra Manila. Guerra is a tagalog word for war. The inspiration where one face the beautiful battle of daily Filipino influences. The brand that is rooted deep as a proud Filipino brand having the mind, spirit and tradition of the Philippines into ever single piece of Guerra's collection, match it with the global standards and techniques learned, then every masterpiece bag becomes a harmonious merging of cultures and world-class standards.

Guerra Manila held a private sale last December 13, 2014 at the St. Francis Shangri-La Place. Friends and guests who are familiar with the brand got a first look and dibs on Guerra Manila's new collections. 

Guerra Manila JULIA Tote - Laser-cut calf leather tote revealing a contrasting, water-resistant nylon interior. Available in colors: Gris/Amarillo (Grey/Yellow), Negra/Azul (Black/Blue), Anaranjado/Azul (Orange/Blue), Café/Amarillo (Sand/Beige), Marrón/Negra (Black/Brown)

The items was only available that time because Guerra Manila isn't available yet here in Manila. The brand however is available in Paris, Tokyo, New York and online. And as part of Carla's advocacy, part of the proceeds from the Guerra Manila private sale will be donated to Gawad Kalinga. When I asked what was her criteria on choosing GK, she shares that it is close to her heart and that Guerra aims to reach out and touch the land it will always be home to. 

Grateful Dead Sachet. - Laser-cut Vegan leather satchel with a camouflage print. Handmade for the fashionable activist.

When asked if she plans to open a shop here in Manila, she shares "Yes, of course! Hopefully sooner than planned. Right now, the brand would like to pursue with what Guerra Manila has started overseas". When asked, what's next for Guerra Manila? She quickly answers, "Men's Fashion! I love men's fashion. I would also like to create a line of bags for men. Hopefully in the coming months."

Carla ended our chat by sharing what she is passionate about. She shares "Designing, creating something beautiful from scratch, it's always been a passion of mine. I've been blessed to be able to do what I love and by giving back to a charity like GawadKalinga, we're hoping to use our gifts in order to help someone in the future do what they love as well. That would be the most beautiful thing we can create".

We have high hopes for the Guerra Manila brand and for this young designer. An international product with world-class quality having a Filipino heart. Truly something that we Filipinos can be proud of.

For more information on Guerra Manila, email info@carlastacruz.com or visit www.guerramanila.com. You may also follow them on Instagram and twitter @guerramanila @carlastacruz