“I live for romance and beauty.”, Paul Herrera
Noblivity Spotlights Emerging Designer Paul Herrera
Company/Designer Name: Paul Herrera Bags | Paul Herrera
Designer Background Summary:
I’m 28 years old from Manila, Philippines. I started designing and creating handmade bags in 2005 while I was studying at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. I also apprenticed for a Manila-based international bag designer where I learned most of the things I know when it comes to embellishment and bag construction.
How did you get started?
I got into designing at the age of 20 but for the theater. I would get a lot of compliments for wings and breastplates, head dresses and small accessories that I would handcraft for the productions that I would be a part of. A lot of people said that I should get into accessory design for the wearable pieces that I’ve made. After I got my certificate in Costume Designing in the University of the Philippines, I decided to apply as an apprentice for a bag designer while studying patterns.
What inspires your designs?
Different textures in nature inspire me a lot. Whether it’s a toad’s skin or exoskeletons of marine animals, I would always find time to analyze and appreciate the details. They also don’t have to be visually attractive. Actually, the textures that interest me more are the scary skins more than the pretty ones.
How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer?
My style is really for the chic and outstanding fashionista. My bags are one of a kind and adorned with glass crystals, pearls and semi-precious stones that are specially stitched one-by-one on each piece.
What designers inspire you?
My twin brother, apparel designer John Herrera inspires me a lot. As well as international couturier Cary Santiago.
What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Trying to establish a shop is really challenging specially when you’re young and an artist.
How did you overcome them?
By moving forward. By ignoring adversity and just kept on learning from my mistakes.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
When I brought home the Grand Prize win in the 2007 Philippine Fashion Designer’s Competition for the Accessory category.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
Change in the quality and in the manner of construction. It got more professional and more geared towards mass production.
If money were no object what would you do right now?
Make artful bags in huge scales for the world to appreciate.
What are the best and worst things about being a designer?
Best: doing what doesn’t really constitute as a job but a hobby. Worst: not making enough money.
Describe your typical day?
I wake up, I checkout the bags that are in production. Sometimes I would go into the pattern room and develop a new bag design.
What’s your philosophy of life?
My philosophy in life is to create bags that make people feel more feminine and lovely. I live for romance and beauty.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. Things happened to me and my business whether good or bad for a reason and everything led to me learning and being a better version of myself.
When will you know you have made it?
I have. I’ve always felt that. I never equated success with having a lot of money. It’s always a question of whether the stuff I make also would make ME happy. And they do.
