The Man Behind Maestro de Cavite “THE MASTER OF HAUTE COUTURE” Who is Ramon Santiago From around the world to the Philippines, Ramon Santiago has been nothing but a provider of topnotch designs inspired by many years of experience. Ramon is an international designed based in Cavite whose works are sought by affluent clients. Who knew that this master of haute couture has once roamed the streets of New York City in search of success in his chosen craft? Ramon earned his Engineering degree from Mapua Institute of Technology. When he was 23, he got an American visa. He initially planned to work as an engineer there but things didn’t work out and instead, he decided to study fashion design in New York. It wasn’t all glamour and glitz for him though. To be able to support his American dream, Ramon did other jobs like dry cleaning, helping older people, and he even experienced sleeping in train stations. Looking back, he knew it was all going to be worth it someday. After graduating from fashion design, he worked as a merchandiser for a company that’s importing and exporting fashion accessories. Three years after, he moved back to Philippines and settled in Cebu when the export industry was booming. In his job in Cebu, he was sent to international trade and exposition mission in cities like Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo among others. Eventually, he was able to capture the haute couture market. Twenty-two years of experience Ramon Santiago’s Maestro de Cavite has been specializing in haute couture and wedding entourage attire among others. He opened his first shop in Imus with just one cutter and one sewer. He then opened another one in Bacoor. Now, he has two representative shops in Macapagal, Manila. He has also turned his rest house in Tagaytay as an extension of Maestro de Cavite, knowing very well that Tagaytay is a famous wedding destination. Before succeeding in his chosen field, Ramon had his own share of struggles and challenges too but in his almost two decades of experience, he knows exactly what helped him thrive: a combination of hardwork and luck. “Meron kasing ibang tao na trabaho ng trabaho pero hindi talaga sinusuwerte (There are some people who work very hard but are unlucky),” he shares. Despite having a name in the design industry already, Ramon still tries to be on top everything. “Inaaral ko din kasi if you don’t follow the trends, maiiwan ka (I study also because if you don’t follow the trends, you will be left behind),” he advises. He says that reading magazines, knowing what’s happening on social media, and following top designers help him know the latest news and updates. Whatever he learns, he incorporates in his work too. Designs then and now When asked about the changes in design in wedding attire for the past years, the returning use of barong was on top of Ramon’s mind. “Barong is coming back. Now, they have a choice again between a suit and a barong.” He also noticed that some weddings now make use of vests and suspenders for the male entourage. In terms of color, neutral colors remain to be at the top of the list. “Pastels and reds are out,” Ramon says. The trendy colors now for wedding gowns and entourage attire are shades of grey, and pale or blush colors. [email protected] Tips for wedding designs “Every year, fashion is changing,” Ramon says. For him, what may be trendy now won’t be trendy in two years’ time. He also noticed that most couples ride on the trends set by celebrities and top Filipino designers. Whenever a client asks him to follow a certain celebrity’s wedding gown, he still tries his best to customize it and incorporate his own brand. For weddings held in Tagaytay, classic, simple cut designs, remain to be the advisable type of wedding gown because of its timeless look. Serpentine skirts, lacy details, and nice beadworks never go out of style too. The number one rule, according to him, is to design something for bride that’s appropriate with her body structure. Venue should be considered too. If the venue is extravagant, the wedding gown should be able to match its luxurious feel so as not to overpower the bride. For couples getting married in a garden, wedding gown does not necessarily have to be flowery. A long train wedding dress is a good option too. As a trusted supplier, Ramon advised that the first thing couples must decide on is the venue of their wedding. The advisable time to book a venue is six months to a year. After determining the venue, couples can now go to the designer to figure out the color motif and style. Luckily for Maestro de Cavite clients, pre-nuptial outfits are lend for free, as part of the package Ramon offers. For Ramon, brides and grooms have to be practical but just like in any other wedding requirements, you always get what you pay for. With Maestro de Cavite, you get two decades worth of expertise and magic. (046) 416-0313 or +639175031866