Glamouria - Rosanna Ocampo: No Risk No Story By Hayat Ammouri

Rosanna Ocampo: "If I Was Given the Choice to be a Woman a Thousand Hundred Times, I Would Always Choose to be a Woman Over and Over Again."

It’s fashion week in Milan, and after wrapping up my re-sees at Gucci, I made my way to meet Rosanna Ocampo at the showroom. This was our first time meeting, and as soon as I walked in, she greeted me with the warmest, most genuine smile. She’s incredibly friendly and down-to-earth.

Rosanna, what brings you to Milan?

This is my first presentation in Milan. I used to live here. I studied at Marangoni and trained in here. I then moved back home to Manila, which is my only centre of distribution.

Tell me about this collection..

I wanted to incorporate raffia, an element we haven’t used before. We see it a lot in the Philippines- the seven thousand islands, and in accessories worldwide. I wanted to find a way to use it in the clothes without it being too rigid. If you touch the raffia pieces in the collection you will see how soft they are. 

Also, the designs are practical—you can just hand wash them and they stay perfect as long as you avoid ironing! 

I see a lot of denim..

Denim does really well in the Philippines. We started with a demographic of 35 to 55, then we decided last year that we want to reach the younger generation. We focused on affordable denim and the bodysuit that they are really fond of.

Who wears Rosanna Ocampo?

I like to move around a lot. There is a lot going on in the life of the modern woman of the day. She’s not just at home anymore. She has many interests. She is a woman of the world. I kind of wanted to put all this energy together. The brand is about fun. We focus on colour; it’s playful, flirty..

Is it like you?

Yes, it’s me. I am playful and flirty.

How did the Italian market react to the collection so far?

It has been a few days here in Milan. So far the South is receiving us well. 

How do you choose your fabrics?

The choice of my fabrics is completely based on feelings. I definitely choose something with movement. I am not a structured kind of girl. I also embrace all the curves of a woman’s body- it’s very sensual. If I was given the choice a thousand hundred times to be a woman, I would always choose to be a woman over and over again.

Did you have to change anything in your collection from what you usually present in Manila for Milan?

I actually felt more at liberty to do what I want to do. Manila is a little conservative. When I design in Manila I have to keep in mind the length and the way it falls on the body. Women there are a little conservative compared to women here. I had a bit more fun working with this collection for Milan.

How would you describe your own style?

I would like to think that I represent the brand perfectly. I would wear everything in my collections. Our client is typically a very modern woman who has many things going on at the same time. She does not rest on her laurels. She’s itchy, marching all over the world. She likes her food, her music, and loves to party, but also works very hard.

Was it always in your plans to expand out of Manila?

Actually no.. No one knows where life takes you. I used to work with Alessio 20 years ago right after Marangoni, then I had a very spontaneous trip to Milan last year. I visited the showroom and there he was.This is our baby brainchild together. It’s our first season together.

Were you scared? Were you excited?

Yes.. yes. yes to all…. 

How did you take the first step, because it’s always about that first step?

I’m naturally a risk-taker. I have always been one. Even my trip here was spontaneous and I extended my stay, which opened up this opportunity. I was raised with men. I grew up with 4 brothers with very strong personalities, and all risk-takers. This is a natural part of my mentality.

What do you say to other women waiting to take that risk, that leap?

No risk no story.

Do you have designs specifically for daywear and nightwear?

Absolutely. Obviously the star of the show in my collection is raffia, so it stands out from everything, but we also have a lot of designs for nighttime such as the silk fringes. The brand is very fun..

With so many brands out there, how do you want yours to stand out?

There are a lot of brands that focus on very many things. I want my brand to be synonymous with fun. I take my job seriously. I am a very hard working woman, but as I said earlier I like to have fun too. It’s part of my identity. I operate best when I interact with people. I thrive in vibrant, lively environment when the music is loud. The more I travel the more I am inspired! I would really want to have that feeling transmitted into my designs. And yes, I do design for brides- but for the after- party!!

About Rosanna Ocampo

Since her foray into design in 2008, Rosanna Ocampo has been crafting fashion that resonates. Inspired by music, sunlit days, and wanderlust, her designs exude a fusion of femininity, flirtatiousness, and sensuality. With a keen eye for textures, colors, and prints, and a fierce talent for marrying each into surprising combinations, she weaves her mood and personality into every piece. 

Rosanna Ocampo’s fashion is an ode to transformation, mirroring the changing seasons of her life. Guided by her vision, she empowers modern women to embrace their multifaceted roles while expressing themselves confidently. Rosanna's legacy is marked by creativity, elegance, and a fearless embrace of individuality. Her designs tell stories of empowerment, offering a canvas where the contemporary woman's journey is painted with style, substance, and self-assuredness.