The new Francis Libiran Bridal store in Greenbelt 5 is every bride-to-be's fantasy. Presenting a new and more convenient experience for brides to obtain their dream gown, the renowed Filipino designer will have a beautifully curated selection of made-to-measure gowns displayed in the store for the clients' convenience.
To know more about this new store venture, Preview interviewed Francis Libiran himself to tell us what a bride-to-be can expect from this shopping exerience, his thoughts on fast fashion, and this new direction that his brand is leading towards.
What sparked the idea of opening Francis Libiran Bridal in a lifestyle mall?
"We want our pieces to become more accessible to the market. The growing demand for made-to-measure bridal gowns is a good opportunity for us to open a store in a mall with high traffic."
What can new customers expect from the gown selections at Greenbelt 5?
"Expect to feast your eyes on our first bridal collection that features elaborately embroidered floral appliques and minimalist linear and structured gowns."
How different will the ordering experience in the new branch be from the usual made-to-order wedding gown from the brand?
"At Francis Libiran Bridal, you have a selection of gowns to choose from. Your bridal gown will be made based on your preferred design, whereas our made-to-order wedding gowns are crafted after series of appointments and design consultations. Production takes at least two months upon down payment."
Is the opening of this store a sign that the Francis Libiran brand is slowly venturing into “fast” fashion?
"Opening a new store in Greenbelt 5 does not mean we would totally navigate far from where we’ve started. We still have haute couture and we still value the importance of slow fashion. Rest assured that our pieces at Francis Libiran Bridal will still carry the same DNA of Francis Libiran—quality pieces that meet genuinely high and environmentally sustainable standards.
How do you plan to approach the new direction that it might be leading to your brand towards?
"We are just excited as everyone else. This is a new chapter for us. We are elevating the status of Francis Libiran brand with the conception of sub-brands such as Francis Libiran Bridal."
And how do you think will it affect the current divide between designer wedding gowns and pre-made ones?
"It will just balance out. Designer wedding gowns and ready-to-wear wedding gowns cater to different market segments with varied preferences. I believe that there is always a market for everyone.
Do you think other local designers should start making their lines more accessible as well?
"There’s no harm in trying but then again you have to consider the availability and the extent of your resources. You should also know you market. Go through a rigorous study and train a team who can support you in your endeavor. If you believe that you have a market for your clothes, apart from the ones you previously had, then why not give it a try?"
Is the Francis Libiran brand planning to expand beyond clothing in the future?
"Yes. We actually just launched our Timepieces Collection August of this year. We also plan to introduce our accessories line before the year ends."
What else can we and your patrons expect from the brand’s bridal line and ready-to-wear in the future?
"The ready-to-wear (RTW) bridal concept is slowly becoming popular in the Philippines, more and more brides-to-be are being accustomed to this. Some would even prefer it as it allows them to try on and determine which types of silhouettes suit their figure. Francis Libiran Bridal aims to produce timeless pieces that will become part of every bride as she embarks on her journey to forever."
Any tips and advice for future bride-to-be’s in selecting their dream wedding gown?
"Comfort is the number one key in finding the perfect gown for your wedding. It is also important that you know how much money you are willing to spend so you won’t go over-budget. Lastly, do not be afraid to find your own style. Choosing a wedding gown can be taxing at times but once you found the perfect one, it’s worth the wait."
Drop by the new Francis Libiran Bridal store at Greenbelt 5 and have this renowned Filipino designer be part of your journey to forever.
Main image and photo courtesy of Francis Libiran
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