Fil-Am designer banks on faith, second chances
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American fashion designer and entrepreneur Emily Sy has taken Philippine fashion to international runways, showcasing her couture collections in some of the world’s fashion capitals.
As CEO of Emily Sy Couture USA, Sy has earned recognition for her designs and appearances at fashion events in New York, London, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, Rome, Barcelona, and Manila.
But behind the glamour and accolades is a story of resilience, faith, and starting over.
For Sy, fashion has been a passion since childhood.
“Fashion is a form of art, self-expression, and empowerment. It allows people to tell their stories without saying a word,” she said.
“I was fascinated by colors, fabrics, and how clothing could transform a person’s confidence. Becoming a fashion designer was not only a dream but also a calling that allowed me to express my creativity and empower others,” she added.
Childhood dream
Her journey in fashion began in Hong Kong, where she lived with her family from 1989 to 1997. While raising her two children, Sy pursued her childhood dream and studied Fashion Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, graduating in 1992.
Balancing motherhood and education was challenging, but Sy continued to pursue her passion.
Her breakthrough came in 1999 when a friend from the United States asked her to coordinate her wedding in Manila. Sy also designed the bride’s gown and the entourage dresses.
A dressmaker who saw her work encouraged her to open a bridal shop.
That led to the establishment of ESY Creations in Quezon City in 2000. The business specialized in bridal couture and custom-made formal wear. Sy eventually became a member of the Wedding Designers Association of the Philippines and participated in bridal expos and Philippine Fashion Week.
Setback after setback
In 2006, Sy and her family moved to the United States. She continued managing her bridal business in the Philippines while establishing the Emily Sy Bridal Collection in San Francisco.
She also ventured into ready-to-wear fashion, eventually expanding the business to 13 retail stores in the Philippines.
Sy later organized the Kasal Pilipinas Bridal Expo in San Francisco in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Department of Tourism, helping connect Philippine wedding suppliers with the Filipino-American community.
However, years of success eventually gave way to one of the most difficult chapters of her life. The fashion retail landscape changed and competition intensified, forcing the designer to close all 13 stores in 2013.
The financial setback also took a serious emotional toll. Sy struggled with depression, was hospitalized, lost a significant amount of weight, and spent years rebuilding her health and confidence.
“But sometimes, God allows us to lose everything so we can discover our true purpose,” she said.
Sy eventually started over in the United States, taking regular jobs while rebuilding her life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked at Safeway and eventually became a Floral Department Manager. She also completed a Retail Management Certificate at Fresno City College in California through the company’s leadership program.
At the same time, she established Vicemi Floral Creations, combining her interest in floral artistry with weddings and special events.
“What many people don’t know is that after becoming a business owner, a fashion designer, and an entrepreneur, I humbled myself and started again from the ground up. I never stopped believing that one day I would return to fashion,” Sy said.
That opportunity came in 2023.
Bouncing back
While checking her old Facebook account, Sy came across a message from fellow designer John Guarnes inviting her to showcase her work again in the Philippines through the Manila International Fashion Week. She initially hesitated.
Sy had been away from the Philippine fashion industry for nearly a decade and had avoided returning because of the painful memories associated with losing her business.
Eventually, she accepted the invitation, and it opened the door to a new chapter.
One invitation led to another, eventually taking Sy and her couture collections to international fashion events in New York, London, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, Rome, Barcelona, and Manila.
Today, she represents the Philippines through Emily Sy Couture USA, while using her platform to create opportunities for other Filipino creatives.
Mentorship
For Sy, success is no longer measured solely by awards or recognition.
“Success is measured not only by awards and recognition but also by the positive impact my designs have on people’s confidence and lives,” she said.
She also has turned to advocating for mentorship of emerging designers, an advocacy after having gone through major challenges in her career. Sy said she understands how difficult it can be for aspiring creatives to gain exposure and opportunities.
“I don’t consider them as my competitors. God gave each of us unique creativity. My legacy is not how many gowns I create, but how many dreams I help make possible,” she said.
Beyond fashion, she also supports charitable and community initiatives, including outreach programs and educational efforts.
Her work has earned her various recognitions, including the FAMAS Prestige Excellence Award for Global Fashion Design, Most Influential Woman in Fashion, Fashion Visionary of the Year, Outstanding Global Fashion Designer and Philanthropist, Top 100 International Iconic Women of the Year, and Philippines Loveliest Awardee.
Beauty pageant patron
Still, Sy considers the opportunities she creates for others among her most meaningful accomplishments. From proving the designs, Sy has ventured into helping models, beauty queens and designers through her own The Big 3 Global Crown Production.
“My story is proof that losing everything is not the end. Sometimes, it is simply God’s way of preparing you for something far greater. There was a time when I thought my story had already ended. But I realized that sometimes God allows us to lose everything — not to punish us, but to prepare us for a greater purpose,” she said.
“My greatest achievement is not the awards I’ve received or the countries where I’ve showcased my designs. My greatest achievement is that I never gave up," Sy ended.
RELATED: Boyet Fajardo celebrates 48 years in fashion with holiday collection
