Monica Figueroa talks about her unique inspirations, why she thinks she’s a pair of stylish ballerina flats, and why Cebu is a lot more fashionable than most people give it credit for.
A designer with a penchant for the whimsical but sophisticated, Monica Figueroa has been sketching since secondary school. “I enjoyed sketching shoes, people, figures and the like,” she recalls. “A friend had seen my work and suggested I get into shoe design, and I started doing it professionally until 2007.”
The result is her line Monica Fig, which features a variety of designs that range from heels inspired from an artichoke, to another by mythical sea creatures– specifically the local “shokoy,” a scaly mermaid-like being that we can’t seem to find an English translation for. “I don’t think I have a signature look, because I refuse to stick to one. My designs, more often than not, spring from inspirations that varies from collection to collection. One thing is for certain though—I veer away from the predictable. I suppose you could say that my signature is to be unique.”
Despite the creative heels she’s produced over the years, Monica actually considers herself a pair of ballerina flats. “I have loved them for as long as I can remember. In fact, I was featured in a weekend magazine because I just had one too many pairs of ballet shoes.” That’s probably why her next line will feature a line of flats– “I think it’s time to go back to my first love.”
Although the half-German, half-Filipina designer is making a name for herself in Manila, she grew up in Cebu and frequently visits her hometown for a holiday. We ask her about what she thinks of the city’s fashion scene, and how she plans to bring that identity with her as she continues on her thriving career.
What do you think about the state of Cebu’s fashion consciousness? I had never thought that Cebu had a small group that appreciates fashion and accessories. To my knowledge, Cebu is in fact one of the best accessories manufacturers in the Philippines—we have quite a good number of manufacturers and exporters who have been around for some time, and they are incredibly amazing at what they do. As for the fashion bit, my sentiments are the same. I reckon it’s got a lot to do with the fact that Cebu has such a laidback feel—we do have a lovely city, yes, but we do also have our beaches within close proximity, which creates this “beachy” relaxed mood. In fact, I feel like I am on holiday every time I’m in Cebu! It’s inevitable—when in Cebu, one feels like putting on a summer dress, a pair of sunnies and some sandals, just like going to Brighton or the Hamptons for a weekend getaway. But this doesn’t make Cebuanos any less fashionable. Take a Cebuano to a social event, and they are just as stylish as any person outside of Cebu. Contrary to what everyone thinks, Cebuanos do know—we simply choose not to make it our priority. We’d rather talk about the sun than go on a lengthy discussion about Dolce & Gabbana being tried in court for evading taxes.
How would you compare the industry of Cebu and Manila? We all know that Manila is the center of everything— business, finance, fashion, and the like. Cebu may be a laidback little island as opposed to Manila, where the pace may be relatively quicker, but Cebu has a bevy of talents left and right who are making and have made a name for themselves, not only in Manila but globally. That’s an advantage, isn’t it?
What are your plans for the future, and how would you relate it to Cebu? My plan is to give retail a try—crossing my fingers, and toes. I am working on a collaboration with a Cebu-based accessories designer and manufacturer as well. Also, using materials that are “proudly Pinoy”—I suppose this will not only help encourage aspiring talents to give design a try, but also help promote Cebu, and its talent and capabilities.
