From the VFW Website -
Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Gabe spent his formative years immersed in the vibrant tapestry of Filipino culture. His family's travels between the United States and the Philippines exposed him to a diverse range of influences that would later shape his design philosophy. Despite his innate inclination towards fashion, Gabe initially chose to follow a path in healthcare, driven by a heartfelt desire to help others. This led him to enroll in nursing school after high school, where thereafter, he excelled in various roles in the healthcare field. After several years in nursing, Gabe sought to expand his horizons by obtaining an MBA, paving the way for him to take on management positions within the healthcare industry.
In a unique blend of his family legacy and entrepreneurial spirit, Gabe assumed the role of CEO of his family clothing business in Manila in 2016. His passion for understanding human behavior prompted him to pursue a PhD in business psychology, furthering his commitment to professional development. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought Gabe back into the healthcare arena, but despite his success in healthcare, the flame of his fashion aspirations continued to burn brightly within him.
In 2021, alongside his partner Robert Kolosso, Gabe made the bold decision to launch The Mestizo, 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 own Filipino and Caucasian background but also celebrating the amalgamation of cultures through fashion. Each item designed by The Mestizo is crafted to be accessible and wearable for everyone, embodying a unique blend of aesthetics and cultural narratives. In 2023, he made the pivotal choice to step away from the healthcare industry, dedicating himself entirely to his passion for fashion and the ongoing development of his brand.
Interview -
The pressure from my boss, combined with the workload, began to take a toll on my health, even leading to alopecia. That’s when my mom (and Robert) asked me the million-dollar question: “Why are you working for them?” My mom, who had been in the fashion business for decades, encouraged me to shift my focus entirely to our family business. So, I ditched the scrubs for scarfs and dove headfirst into the world of fashion. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I ever made. Not only did my hair grow back, but my heart also found its true calling.
How did you learn your skills?
I've always had a knack for art and design. As a kid, I was obsessed with colors – I could probably recite the color wheel and all 364 Crayola names in my sleep! I just had a natural eye for what colors looked best together.
While I don't have a formal fashion degree, I've basically been immersed in the fashion business my whole life. Growing up, I was always around it, observing the designs and soaking up everything I could. It's like I was born with an art gene or something!
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
I'm drawn to designs that are clean and classic, with a touch of unexpected elegance. Think minimalist chic with a dash of glamour. And when it comes to colors, I'm all about harmonious blends that create a cohesive and sophisticated look.
Our brand's aesthetic is inspired by Filipino heritage, but we've taken a modern approach to it. We believe that fashion should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or style. Our pieces are designed to be mixed and matched, so you can create your own unique look.
Our clients are the ones who appreciate timeless style and quality craftsmanship. They're the kind of people who walk into a room and turn heads without even trying. Our brand is for the world-wearer, someone who appreciates both tradition and innovation.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
I find that my skills are like cravings that comes and goes. Sometimes, I'm a color-blending orchestra conductor, effortlessly mixing hues that seem to string together in perfect harmony. Other times, I'm staring at a blank canvas, struggling to envision the final piece.
It's a constant balancing act between inspiration and execution (hardest! thank you to our team and my right hand, Ivy!). When the creative juices are flowing, ideas come pouring out, and the design process feels like a joyful dance. When it's not, I learned to just rest my brain and wait because, its all a process. I think its a testament to the God's amazing gift of creativity.
Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is color to your design process?
Inspiration is all around, waiting to be discovered. I’ve found that approaching inspiration with a childlike sense of wonder allows my imagination to run wild and my ideas to become truly captivating. Color plays a crucial role in bringing a piece to life. Even the simplest design can be elevated to a masterpiece with the right color palette.
Readers would love to know more about the collection you be showing at Vancouver Fashion Week.
The inspiration is Glorious Mystery of the Rosary (and dedicated to my Dad that suddenly passed away this past Aug 17th.)
Do you have a favorite look in this collection?
I don't. I love all of them.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
Through our website, www.themestizo.com or, if they're in LA, our showroom is at 3308 Helms Ave. in Culver City, Arts District. We are about 18 to 20 mins from LAX (airport).
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
As The Mestizo LA continues to grow, we're excited to expand our reach and impact. Our goal is to become a global brand that incorporates Filipino culture ingredient while empowering individuals to express their unique sense of style. We plan to continue exploring new markets, collaborate with talented artisans, and introduce innovative designs that can add spice in fashion. By staying true to our roots while embracing contemporary trends, we aim to create timeless pieces that hopefully resonate with people around the world.
Links -
Please share a bit about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career.
A little background—since the end of 2016, I had been serving as CEO of our family’s fashion business, managing operations from afar while still working full-time as an Emergency Department Director in Chicago. Before virtual meetings became a thing, I was already doing Skype calls late at night (morning in Manila) while working in the hospital. I was essentially juggling multiple roles—hustling nonstop!
A little background—since the end of 2016, I had been serving as CEO of our family’s fashion business, managing operations from afar while still working full-time as an Emergency Department Director in Chicago. Before virtual meetings became a thing, I was already doing Skype calls late at night (morning in Manila) while working in the hospital. I was essentially juggling multiple roles—hustling nonstop!
By the time the pandemic hit, I had just moved to LA a year prior. I was completing my PhD in Business Psychology while also serving as an Emergency Department Director, a role that quickly escalated to Associate Chief Nursing Officer. Time seemed to blur; I worked long hours on very little sleep, but it never felt exhausting because I felt I was driven by passion. However, things took a turn when my job became overwhelming.
The pressure from my boss, combined with the workload, began to take a toll on my health, even leading to alopecia. That’s when my mom (and Robert) asked me the million-dollar question: “Why are you working for them?” My mom, who had been in the fashion business for decades, encouraged me to shift my focus entirely to our family business. So, I ditched the scrubs for scarfs and dove headfirst into the world of fashion. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I ever made. Not only did my hair grow back, but my heart also found its true calling.How did you learn your skills?
I've always had a knack for art and design. As a kid, I was obsessed with colors – I could probably recite the color wheel and all 364 Crayola names in my sleep! I just had a natural eye for what colors looked best together.
While I don't have a formal fashion degree, I've basically been immersed in the fashion business my whole life. Growing up, I was always around it, observing the designs and soaking up everything I could. It's like I was born with an art gene or something!
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
I'm drawn to designs that are clean and classic, with a touch of unexpected elegance. Think minimalist chic with a dash of glamour. And when it comes to colors, I'm all about harmonious blends that create a cohesive and sophisticated look.
Our clients are the ones who appreciate timeless style and quality craftsmanship. They're the kind of people who walk into a room and turn heads without even trying. Our brand is for the world-wearer, someone who appreciates both tradition and innovation.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
I find that my skills are like cravings that comes and goes. Sometimes, I'm a color-blending orchestra conductor, effortlessly mixing hues that seem to string together in perfect harmony. Other times, I'm staring at a blank canvas, struggling to envision the final piece.
It's a constant balancing act between inspiration and execution (hardest! thank you to our team and my right hand, Ivy!). When the creative juices are flowing, ideas come pouring out, and the design process feels like a joyful dance. When it's not, I learned to just rest my brain and wait because, its all a process. I think its a testament to the God's amazing gift of creativity.
Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is color to your design process?
Inspiration is all around, waiting to be discovered. I’ve found that approaching inspiration with a childlike sense of wonder allows my imagination to run wild and my ideas to become truly captivating. Color plays a crucial role in bringing a piece to life. Even the simplest design can be elevated to a masterpiece with the right color palette.
The inspiration is Glorious Mystery of the Rosary (and dedicated to my Dad that suddenly passed away this past Aug 17th.)
Do you have a favorite look in this collection?
I don't. I love all of them.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
Through our website, www.themestizo.com or, if they're in LA, our showroom is at 3308 Helms Ave. in Culver City, Arts District. We are about 18 to 20 mins from LAX (airport).
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
As The Mestizo LA continues to grow, we're excited to expand our reach and impact. Our goal is to become a global brand that incorporates Filipino culture ingredient while empowering individuals to express their unique sense of style. We plan to continue exploring new markets, collaborate with talented artisans, and introduce innovative designs that can add spice in fashion. By staying true to our roots while embracing contemporary trends, we aim to create timeless pieces that hopefully resonate with people around the world.
Links -
- Website - www.themestizo.com/en-ca
- Instagram - @themestizola
- Threads - @themestizola
- TikTok - @themestizola
- Pinterest - @themestizola
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