As they say, success knows no age limit.

This was demonstrated by Raina Novales, a 22-year-old graduating college student from Manila who had dreamed of becoming a successful fashion designer. 

Novales’ parents instilled the idea of becoming a fashion designer in her while she was still a child. Her mother also once dreamed of entering the industry. 

“As a kid palang parang ‘yun na ‘yung nabigay na idea ng parents ko,” she told republicasia.

“Kasi parang kid palang sobrang kikay na mahilig sa fashion, ‘yung mom ko kasi parang dream niya ‘yun ‘yung fashion designer before, so parang sabi niya rin sa’kin if ‘yun ‘yung gusto kong path na i-take i-su-support niya ako doon ‘yung fashion design, so parang every since ‘yun na ‘yun nasa utak ko na i-tatake ko,” she said.  

In Grade 11, Novales took up fashion design at iAcademy, which she continued at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. She is currently exploring bridal collections for her thesis. 

One of the highlights of her young career was when she dressed up Miss World Philippines 2021 candidate Armbriel Pascual. She made six to eight looks for the aspiring beauty queen, which paved the way for her to be known in the industry. 

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“Si Ms. Ambriel Pascual reached out kase nakita nya yung designs ko, on social media,” she said. 

She also dreams of dressing up fashion icons such as Heart Evangelista, Sarah Labhati, Nadine Lustre and Catriona Gray. 

Collections 

Novales first made waves in the fashion industry with her hit beachwear. 

Unlike usual swimwear, which takes a minimalist approach, Novales’ collections offer a fun and edgy take on beachwear. Instead of revealing styles, she makes a full statement with the use of eye-catching elements such as big bows and ruffles for an even more feminine vibe. 

Novales said her hometown, Calatagan, Batangas, which is a popular beach destination, served as an inspiration for her creations. 

“I actually did it sa hometown ko in Calatagan, Batangas. Most of my inspirations come from there, and i really like beachwear din kase lagi akong nasa beach, so parang I wanted to design na magagamit ko sa beach, and then si Ambriel Pascual again, since yung advocacy niya kase environment and the Earth so parang sumakto yung advocacy niya and vision ko in our collaboration,” she said. 

She is dedicated to creating pieces that communicate stories via clothing and value individual expression.

“I don’t have a specific [advocacy], basta ‘yung mismong mindset ko now in fashion is telling a story of expressing yourself, parang I want to be known as a designer who can help you execute what story you would like to tell,” she said.  

Novales also plans to explore sustainable fashion, like other designers, to lessen the negative environmental effects of making clothes.

“Yes, it’s actually in my plan din, kase ako mismo nasasayangan sa mga nabibili kong fabric, and minsan kase, mas lumalaki yung creativity, when you use, scrap fabrics, parang mapapaisip ka nga design na magagawa mo from there, and at the same time you’re helping the environment,” she said.