essence of expression 05: isabelle lanchido

essence of expression 05:
isabelle lanchido

Isabelle Lanchido takes a deep breath before we commence the interview in her North London studio. She’s a bubbling pot of energy, and it takes a moment to channel this enthusiasm into the present moment. 

“I’m Isabelle, Isabelle Landicho.”

 Introducing herself like James Bond, Isabelle displays a similar kind of self assuredness. However, this confidence is quickly followed with an endearing moment of human fragility.

“I am a multidisciplinary creative… I can never say that word properly…”

R1-06998-0031.jpg__PID:84848796-a5a7-4001-b664-a0e65582a7cb

“… But my skills encompass creative, styling, direction and public speaking. I would say professionally, that’s the sort of vibe I roll in.”

R1-06999-0022.jpg__PID:d418d9f3-ce56-45e1-9f7e-67929b2c4bf0

One wall of her shared studio is adorned with plants, while the other is lined with desks. Low-key posters and books showcase her styling and photography inspiration. Despite the overcast day, large industrial-style windows fill the space with light. It feels like a haven where peaceful, positive energy softens the relentless pace of being a creative in London.

R1-06998-0012.jpg__PID:19552089-f1ad-4afd-a5d0-0a47966587fb
R1-06998-0023.jpg__PID:552089f1-ad1a-4d25-900a-47966587fbc1
R1-06998-0003.jpg__PID:6f195520-89f1-4d1a-bd25-d00a47966587

“Ever since I was little I’ve always known that I wanted to be an artist. I’ve always been interested in the arts, and I’ve always been interested in creating.”

R1-06999-0023.jpg__PID:b27fcdfe-618d-4d47-a2cb-51fe5b3594d3

“I do have a lot of ideas. I’m a deep thinker, and I think [air quotes] outside of the box.”

 Isabelle takes herself, and her abilities seriously, a unique trait in a world where people are keen to self-efface, and allow others to define them, their skills and flaws.

R1-06998-0016.jpg__PID:0bae0579-49c4-43f1-9782-5e1e83690030

Isabelle Lanchido takes a deep breath before we commence the interview in her North London studio. She’s a bubbling pot of energy, and it takes a moment to channel this enthusiasm into the present moment...












“I’m Isabelle, Isabelle Landicho.” 

Introducing herself like James Bond, Isabelle displays a similar kind of self assuredness. However, this confidence is quickly followed with an endearing moment of human fragility

.“I am a multidisciplinary creative… I can never say that word properly.”

R1-06998-0031.jpg__PID:84848796-a5a7-4001-b664-a0e65582a7cb
R1-06999-0022.jpg__PID:d418d9f3-ce56-45e1-9f7e-67929b2c4bf0











“… My skills encompass creative, styling, direction and public speaking. I would say professionally, that’s the sort of vibe I roll in.”

One wall of her shared studio is adorned with plants, while the other is lined with desks. Low-key posters and books showcase her styling and photography inspiration. Despite the overcast day, large industrial-style windows fill the space with light. It feels like a haven where peaceful, positive energy softens the relentless pace of being a creative in London.

R1-06998-0012.jpg__PID:19552089-f1ad-4afd-a5d0-0a47966587fb
R1-06998-0023.jpg__PID:552089f1-ad1a-4d25-900a-47966587fbc1
R1-06998-0003.jpg__PID:6f195520-89f1-4d1a-bd25-d00a47966587















“Ever since I was little I’ve always known that I wanted to be an artist. I’ve always been interested in the arts, and I’ve always been interested in creating.”

R1-06999-0023.jpg__PID:b27fcdfe-618d-4d47-a2cb-51fe5b3594d3
R1-06998-0016.jpg__PID:0bae0579-49c4-43f1-9782-5e1e83690030


“I do have a lot of ideas. I’m a deep thinker, and I think [air quotes] outside of the box.” 

Isabelle takes herself, and her abilities seriously, a unique trait in a world where people are keen to self-efface, and allow others to define them, their skills and flaws.

R1-06998-0014.jpg__PID:d76c38c5-2928-4b96-906d-42fd776664f5

“I started off getting really into illustration and graphic design, but in my heart I knew fashion was the thing for me, so I actually studied making. I used to design menswear, and styling was something that I completely fell into.”

R1-06998-0017.jpg__PID:b1d5caa9-f283-43e5-a44a-8984c930327f

“I love [fashion]. Like, I really love it.”

Isabelle breaks into giddy laughter, like this is what she’s been waiting to talk about. She fully eases into the interview and you can feel her starting to talk from her heart. Her passion and enthusiasm is lifting the energy in the room.

“I love the fantasy of it, and I love the possibility of it, and I love getting dressed up. Getting dressed up in the morning is like: ‘What character am I playing today?’ Clothes make me feel really powerful. It makes you feel strong, it’s your armour in a sense. Fashion has always been for me: creativity, possibility, escapism, fantasy.”

“And also, it is artistry, and I think that really comes across in my work. It can be joyful, and it can be sorrowful and painful, but it’s me.” 











“My friend Chani and I, we always joke about our pillars, our personal and professional pillars, and I think my pillars are: Creativity, integrity, and also legacy."

 “Legacy means to me, looking back at how I’ve led my life and being really proud of it. Being like: ‘Yeah, you tried your best, and that was enough.’”

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-6.jpg__PID:043cfbba-1546-48a8-bf43-a67443592f98
R1-06998-0005.jpg__PID:a250bc1f-b63f-4737-bc29-d4d44a0ccb30

“I perceive fashion and clothes as stories, and as self expression, and as legacy. I’m like: “If I’m gonna wear this piece, if I’m going to buy into this item of clothing, what is it about? What are the stories behind it? What’s the legacy behind it?”

“But at the same time, fashion is fun. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt sometimes because at the end of the day, it is just clothes.”















Isabelle clearly appreciates the beauty, joy and pageantry of life, as well as the randomness and the silliness of it all.

Her perspective on fashion seems to extend to all aspects of her life, prompting her to think deeply about her legacy and act with integrity, without becoming overly self-serious.

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-1-2.jpg__PID:89dd9062-ce30-4ccd-8d26-06058d9c9d6f
R1-06998-0032.jpg__PID:80a3f602-9268-4ab7-8bbc-1604fd3bddb4














“My cultural identity as a Filipino person has always been massively important to me, and it has always fed into my work.”

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-2-2.jpg__PID:8560078d-a146-49b8-934b-6ce79bb567d3

“Now, in my thirties, I’m like: ‘You are so Asian.’ I think it’s how you move, and how you’re taught by your family to just be.”

“Being brought up in a Filipino household, there were just people around all the time. Are they cousins? Who knows? But we’re all cousins in a sense. We’re all Kabayan, which is Tagalog for ‘community’.”

“I think that really has shaped who I am as a person. And also, you know what they say: ‘No man is an island.’ We’re all connected in some capacity.”

R1-06998-0001.jpg__PID:4689e6bb-3208-4a14-9c9a-65277e70a9bb
R1-06998-0033.jpg__PID:b137a168-67a8-4164-b6a4-d023550de747

Isabelles upbringing has instilled a powerful sense of community. She speaks frequently about togetherness; of ‘we’ and ‘us’, aware that she’s a product of her environment, her culture, and people she surrounds herself with.

“I have a lot of love for people. My family and friends have been instrumental in everything [I do]. They are my foundation. We wouldn’t be here if not for each other.”

R1-06999-0003.jpg__PID:33a34255-ce4f-4605-ace6-541c18bffa0e

“I love [fashion]. Like, I really love it.”

Isabelle breaks into giddy laughter, like this is what she’s been waiting to talk about. She fully eases into the interview and you can feel her start talking from her heart, her passion and enthusiasm lifting the energy in the room.

R1-06998-0017.jpg__PID:b1d5caa9-f283-43e5-a44a-8984c930327f

“I think I love the fantasy of it, and I love the possibility of it, and I love getting dressed up. Getting dressed up in the morning is like: ‘What character am I playing today?’ Clothes make me feel really powerful. It makes you feel strong, it’s your armour in a sense. Fashion has always been for me: creativity, possibility, escapism, fantasy.”

“And also, it is artistry, and I think that really comes across in my work. It can be joyful, and it can be sorrowful and painful, but it’s me.” 

R1-06999-0025.jpg__PID:6eb598ba-c65c-48e3-a93a-d947e9040d5e

“My friend Chiani and I, we always joke about our pillars, our personal and professional pillars, and I think my pillars are: Creativity, integrity, and also legacy."

 “Legacy means to me: Looking back at how I’ve led my life and being really proud of it. Being like: ‘Yeah, you tried your best, and that was enough.’”

R1-06998-0005.jpg__PID:4b154c64-8598-4779-9317-e02ac7e08598

“I perceive fashion and clothes as stories, and as self expression, and as legacy. I’m like: “If I’m gonna wear this piece, if I’m going to buy into this item of clothing, what is it about? What are the stories behind it? What’s the legacy behind it?”

“But at the same time, fashion is fun. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt sometimes because at the end of the day, it is just clothes.”

R1-06999-0003.jpg__PID:33a34255-ce4f-4605-ace6-541c18bffa0e

Isabelle clearly appreciates the beauty, joy and pageantry of life, as well as the randomness and the silliness of it all.

Her perspective on fashion seems to extend to all aspects of her life, prompting her to think deeply about her legacy and act with integrity, without becoming overly self-serious.

R1-06998-0032.jpg__PID:80a3f602-9268-4ab7-8bbc-1604fd3bddb4

“My cultural identity as a Filipino person has always been massively important to me, and it has always fed into my work, and it has always been a massive part of me.”

R1-06999-0001.jpg__PID:543942d0-22a6-4817-ac41-48d49556d875

“Now, in my thirties, I’m like: ‘You are so Asian.’ I think it’s how you move, and how you’re taught by your family to just be.”

“Being brought up in a Filipino household, there were just people around all the time. Are they cousins? Who knows? But we’re all cousins in a sense. We’re all Kabayan, which is Tagalog for ‘community’.”

“I think that really has shaped who I am as a person. And also, you know what they say: ‘No man is an island.’ We’re all connected in some capacity.”

Her upbringing has instilled in Isabelle a powerful sense of community. She speaks frequently about togetherness; of ‘we’ and ‘us’, aware that she’s a product of her environment, her culture, and people she surrounds herself with.

R1-06998-0001.jpg__PID:4689e6bb-3208-4a14-9c9a-65277e70a9bb
R1-06998-0033.jpg__PID:b137a168-67a8-4164-b6a4-d023550de747

“I have a lot of love for people. My family and friends have been instrumental in everything [I do]. They are my foundation. We wouldn’t be here if not for each other.”

essence of expression 05: isabelle lanchido

essence of expression 05:
isabelle lanchido

Isabelle Lanchido takes a deep breath before we commence the interview in her North London studio. She’s a bubbling pot of energy, and it takes a moment to channel this enthusiasm into the present moment.


 
“I’m Isabelle, Isabelle Landicho.”

Introducing herself like James Bond, Isabelle displays a similar kind of self assuredness. However, this confidence is quickly followed with an endearing moment of human fragility.

“I am a multidisciplinary creative… I can never say that word properly…”

R1-06998-0031.jpg__PID:84848796-a5a7-4001-b664-a0e65582a7cb

“… But my skills encompass creative, styling, direction and public speaking. I would say professionally, that’s the sort of vibe I roll in.”

R1-06999-0022.jpg__PID:d418d9f3-ce56-45e1-9f7e-67929b2c4bf0

One wall of her shared studio is adorned with plants, while the other is lined with desks. Low-key posters and books showcase her styling and photography inspiration. Despite the overcast day, large industrial-style windows fill the space with light. It feels like a haven where peaceful, positive energy softens the relentless pace of being a creative in London.

R1-06998-0012.jpg__PID:19552089-f1ad-4afd-a5d0-0a47966587fb
R1-06998-0023.jpg__PID:552089f1-ad1a-4d25-900a-47966587fbc1
R1-06998-0003.jpg__PID:6f195520-89f1-4d1a-bd25-d00a47966587

“Ever since I was little I’ve always known that I wanted to be an artist. I’ve always been interested in the arts, and I’ve always been interested in creating.”

R1-06999-0023.jpg__PID:b27fcdfe-618d-4d47-a2cb-51fe5b3594d3

“I do have a lot of ideas. I’m a deep thinker, and I think [air quotes] outside of the box.”

 Isabelle takes herself, and her abilities seriously, a unique trait in a world where people are keen to self-efface, and allow others to define them, their skills and flaws.

R1-06998-0016.jpg__PID:0bae0579-49c4-43f1-9782-5e1e83690030

Isabelle Lanchido takes a deep breath before we commence the interview in her North London studio. She’s a bubbling pot of energy, and it takes a moment to channel this enthusiasm into the present moment...












“I’m Isabelle, Isabelle Landicho.” 

Introducing herself like James Bond, Isabelle displays a similar kind of self assuredness. However, this confidence is quickly followed with an endearing moment of human fragility

.“I am a multidisciplinary creative… I can never say that word properly.”

R1-06998-0031.jpg__PID:84848796-a5a7-4001-b664-a0e65582a7cb
R1-06999-0022.jpg__PID:d418d9f3-ce56-45e1-9f7e-67929b2c4bf0











“… My skills encompass creative, styling, direction and public speaking. I would say professionally, that’s the sort of vibe I roll in.”

One wall of her shared studio is adorned with plants, while the other is lined with desks. Low-key posters and books showcase her styling and photography inspiration. Despite the overcast day, large industrial-style windows fill the space with light. It feels like a haven where peaceful, positive energy softens the relentless pace of being a creative in London.

R1-06998-0012.jpg__PID:19552089-f1ad-4afd-a5d0-0a47966587fb
R1-06998-0023.jpg__PID:552089f1-ad1a-4d25-900a-47966587fbc1
R1-06998-0003.jpg__PID:6f195520-89f1-4d1a-bd25-d00a47966587















“Ever since I was little I’ve always known that I wanted to be an artist. I’ve always been interested in the arts, and I’ve always been interested in creating.”

R1-06999-0023.jpg__PID:b27fcdfe-618d-4d47-a2cb-51fe5b3594d3
R1-06998-0016.jpg__PID:0bae0579-49c4-43f1-9782-5e1e83690030


“I do have a lot of ideas. I’m a deep thinker, and I think [air quotes] outside of the box.” 

Isabelle takes herself, and her abilities seriously, a unique trait in a world where people are keen to self-efface, and allow others to define them, their skills and flaws.

R1-06998-0014.jpg__PID:d76c38c5-2928-4b96-906d-42fd776664f5

“I started off getting really into illustration and graphic design, but in my heart I knew fashion was the thing for me, so I actually studied making. I used to design menswear, and styling was something that I completely fell into.”

R1-06998-0017.jpg__PID:b1d5caa9-f283-43e5-a44a-8984c930327f

“I love [fashion]. Like, I really love it.”

Isabelle breaks into giddy laughter, like this is what she’s been waiting to talk about. She fully eases into the interview and you can feel her starting to talk from her heart. Her passion and enthusiasm is lifting the energy in the room.

“I love the fantasy of it, and I love the possibility of it, and I love getting dressed up. Getting dressed up in the morning is like: ‘What character am I playing today?’ Clothes make me feel really powerful. It makes you feel strong, it’s your armour in a sense. Fashion has always been for me: creativity, possibility, escapism, fantasy.”

“And also, it is artistry, and I think that really comes across in my work. It can be joyful, and it can be sorrowful and painful, but it’s me.” 











“My friend Chiani and I, we always joke about our pillars, our personal and professional pillars, and I think my pillars are: Creativity, integrity, and also legacy."

 “Legacy means to me, looking back at how I’ve led my life and being really proud of it. Being like: ‘Yeah, you tried your best, and that was enough.’”

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-6.jpg__PID:043cfbba-1546-48a8-bf43-a67443592f98
R1-06998-0005.jpg__PID:a250bc1f-b63f-4737-bc29-d4d44a0ccb30

“I perceive fashion and clothes as stories, and as self expression, and as legacy. I’m like: “If I’m gonna wear this piece, if I’m going to buy into this item of clothing, what is it about? What are the stories behind it? What’s the legacy behind it?”

“But at the same time, fashion is fun. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt sometimes because at the end of the day, it is just clothes.”















Isabelle clearly appreciates the beauty, joy and pageantry of life, as well as the randomness and the silliness of it all.

Her perspective on fashion seems to extend to all aspects of her life, prompting her to think deeply about her legacy and act with integrity, without becoming overly self-serious.

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-1-2.jpg__PID:89dd9062-ce30-4ccd-8d26-06058d9c9d6f
R1-06998-0032.jpg__PID:80a3f602-9268-4ab7-8bbc-1604fd3bddb4














“My cultural identity as a Filipino person has always been massively important to me, and it has always fed into my work.”

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-2-2.jpg__PID:8560078d-a146-49b8-934b-6ce79bb567d3

“Now, in my thirties, I’m like: ‘You are so Asian.’ I think it’s how you move, and how you’re taught by your family to just be.”

“Being brought up in a Filipino household, there were just people around all the time. Are they cousins? Who knows? But we’re all cousins in a sense. We’re all Kabayan, which is Tagalog for ‘community’.”

“I think that really has shaped who I am as a person. And also, you know what they say: ‘No man is an island.’ We’re all connected in some capacity.”

R1-06998-0001.jpg__PID:4689e6bb-3208-4a14-9c9a-65277e70a9bb
R1-06998-0033.jpg__PID:b137a168-67a8-4164-b6a4-d023550de747

Isabelles upbringing has instilled a powerful sense of community. She speaks frequently about togetherness; of ‘we’ and ‘us’, aware that she’s a product of her environment, her culture, and people she surrounds herself with.

“I have a lot of love for people. My family and friends have been instrumental in everything [I do]. They are my foundation. We wouldn’t be here if not for each other.”

R1-06999-0003.jpg__PID:33a34255-ce4f-4605-ace6-541c18bffa0e

“I love [fashion]. Like, I really love it.”

Isabelle breaks into giddy laughter, like this is what she’s been waiting to talk about. She fully eases into the interview and you can feel her start talking from her heart, her passion and enthusiasm lifting the energy in the room.

R1-06998-0017.jpg__PID:b1d5caa9-f283-43e5-a44a-8984c930327f

“I think I love the fantasy of it, and I love the possibility of it, and I love getting dressed up. Getting dressed up in the morning is like: ‘What character am I playing today?’ Clothes make me feel really powerful. It makes you feel strong, it’s your armour in a sense. Fashion has always been for me: creativity, possibility, escapism, fantasy.”

“And also, it is artistry, and I think that really comes across in my work. It can be joyful, and it can be sorrowful and painful, but it’s me.” 

R1-06999-0025.jpg__PID:6eb598ba-c65c-48e3-a93a-d947e9040d5e

“My friend Chani and I, we always joke about our pillars, our personal and professional pillars, and I think my pillars are: Creativity, integrity, and also legacy."

 “Legacy means to me: Looking back at how I’ve led my life and being really proud of it. Being like: ‘Yeah, you tried your best, and that was enough.’”

R1-06998-0005.jpg__PID:4b154c64-8598-4779-9317-e02ac7e08598

“I perceive fashion and clothes as stories, and as self expression, and as legacy. I’m like: “If I’m gonna wear this piece, if I’m going to buy into this item of clothing, what is it about? What are the stories behind it? What’s the legacy behind it?”

“But at the same time, fashion is fun. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt sometimes because at the end of the day, it is just clothes.”

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-1-2.jpg__PID:89dd9062-ce30-4ccd-8d26-06058d9c9d6f

Isabelle clearly appreciates the beauty, joy and pageantry of life, as well as the randomness and the silliness of it all.

Her perspective on fashion seems to extend to all aspects of her life, prompting her to think deeply about her legacy and act with integrity, without becoming overly self-serious.

R1-06998-0032.jpg__PID:80a3f602-9268-4ab7-8bbc-1604fd3bddb4

“My cultural identity as a Filipino person has always been massively important to me, and it has always fed into my work, and it has always been a massive part of me.”

R1-06999-0001.jpg__PID:543942d0-22a6-4817-ac41-48d49556d875

“Now, in my thirties, I’m like: ‘You are so Asian.’ I think it’s how you move, and how you’re taught by your family to just be.”

“Being brought up in a Filipino household, there were just people around all the time. Are they cousins? Who knows? But we’re all cousins in a sense. We’re all Kabayan, which is Tagalog for ‘community’.”

“I think that really has shaped who I am as a person. And also, you know what they say: ‘No man is an island.’ We’re all connected in some capacity.”

R1-06998-0001.jpg__PID:4689e6bb-3208-4a14-9c9a-65277e70a9bb

Her upbringing has instilled in Isabelle a powerful sense of community. She speaks frequently about togetherness; of ‘we’ and ‘us’, aware that she’s a product of her environment, her culture, and people she surrounds herself with.

R1-06998-0033.jpg__PID:b137a168-67a8-4164-b6a4-d023550de747

“I have a lot of love for people. My family and friends have been instrumental in everything [I do]. They are my foundation. We wouldn’t be here if not for each other.”

R1-06999-0003.jpg__PID:33a34255-ce4f-4605-ace6-541c18bffa0e

Author, Euan Harness

essence of expression 05: isabelle lanchido

essence of expression 05:
isabelle lanchido

Isabelle Lanchido takes a deep breath before we commence the interview in her North London studio. She’s a bubbling pot of energy, and it takes a moment to channel this enthusiasm into the present moment. 

“I’m Isabelle, Isabelle Landicho.”

 Introducing herself like James Bond, Isabelle displays a similar kind of self assuredness. However, this confidence is quickly followed with an endearing moment of human fragility.

“I am a multidisciplinary creative… I can never say that word properly…”

R1-06998-0031.jpg__PID:84848796-a5a7-4001-b664-a0e65582a7cb

“… But my skills encompass creative, styling, direction and public speaking. I would say professionally, that’s the sort of vibe I roll in.”

R1-06999-0022.jpg__PID:d418d9f3-ce56-45e1-9f7e-67929b2c4bf0

One wall of her shared studio is adorned with plants, while the other is lined with desks. Low-key posters and books showcase her styling and photography inspiration. Despite the overcast day, large industrial-style windows fill the space with light. It feels like a haven where peaceful, positive energy softens the relentless pace of being a creative in London.

R1-06998-0012.jpg__PID:19552089-f1ad-4afd-a5d0-0a47966587fb
R1-06998-0023.jpg__PID:552089f1-ad1a-4d25-900a-47966587fbc1
R1-06998-0003.jpg__PID:6f195520-89f1-4d1a-bd25-d00a47966587

“Ever since I was little I’ve always known that I wanted to be an artist. I’ve always been interested in the arts, and I’ve always been interested in creating.”

R1-06999-0023.jpg__PID:b27fcdfe-618d-4d47-a2cb-51fe5b3594d3

“I do have a lot of ideas. I’m a deep thinker, and I think [air quotes] outside of the box.”

 Isabelle takes herself, and her abilities seriously, a unique trait in a world where people are keen to self-efface, and allow others to define them, their skills and flaws.

R1-06998-0016.jpg__PID:0bae0579-49c4-43f1-9782-5e1e83690030

Isabelle Lanchido takes a deep breath before we commence the interview in her North London studio. She’s a bubbling pot of energy, and it takes a moment to channel this enthusiasm into the present moment...












“I’m Isabelle, Isabelle Landicho.” 

Introducing herself like James Bond, Isabelle displays a similar kind of self assuredness. However, this confidence is quickly followed with an endearing moment of human fragility

.“I am a multidisciplinary creative… I can never say that word properly.”

R1-06998-0031.jpg__PID:84848796-a5a7-4001-b664-a0e65582a7cb
R1-06999-0022.jpg__PID:d418d9f3-ce56-45e1-9f7e-67929b2c4bf0











“… My skills encompass creative, styling, direction and public speaking. I would say professionally, that’s the sort of vibe I roll in.”

One wall of her shared studio is adorned with plants, while the other is lined with desks. Low-key posters and books showcase her styling and photography inspiration. Despite the overcast day, large industrial-style windows fill the space with light. It feels like a haven where peaceful, positive energy softens the relentless pace of being a creative in London.

R1-06998-0012.jpg__PID:19552089-f1ad-4afd-a5d0-0a47966587fb
R1-06998-0023.jpg__PID:552089f1-ad1a-4d25-900a-47966587fbc1
R1-06998-0003.jpg__PID:6f195520-89f1-4d1a-bd25-d00a47966587















“Ever since I was little I’ve always known that I wanted to be an artist. I’ve always been interested in the arts, and I’ve always been interested in creating.”

R1-06999-0023.jpg__PID:b27fcdfe-618d-4d47-a2cb-51fe5b3594d3
R1-06998-0016.jpg__PID:0bae0579-49c4-43f1-9782-5e1e83690030


“I do have a lot of ideas. I’m a deep thinker, and I think [air quotes] outside of the box.” 

Isabelle takes herself, and her abilities seriously, a unique trait in a world where people are keen to self-efface, and allow others to define them, their skills and flaws.

R1-06998-0014.jpg__PID:d76c38c5-2928-4b96-906d-42fd776664f5

“I started off getting really into illustration and graphic design, but in my heart I knew fashion was the thing for me, so I actually studied making. I used to design menswear, and styling was something that I completely fell into.”

R1-06998-0017.jpg__PID:b1d5caa9-f283-43e5-a44a-8984c930327f

“I love [fashion]. Like, I really love it.”

Isabelle breaks into giddy laughter, like this is what she’s been waiting to talk about. She fully eases into the interview and you can feel her starting to talk from her heart. Her passion and enthusiasm is lifting the energy in the room.

“I love the fantasy of it, and I love the possibility of it, and I love getting dressed up. Getting dressed up in the morning is like: ‘What character am I playing today?’ Clothes make me feel really powerful. It makes you feel strong, it’s your armour in a sense. Fashion has always been for me: creativity, possibility, escapism, fantasy.”

“And also, it is artistry, and I think that really comes across in my work. It can be joyful, and it can be sorrowful and painful, but it’s me.” 











“My friend Chiani and I, we always joke about our pillars, our personal and professional pillars, and I think my pillars are: Creativity, integrity, and also legacy."

 “Legacy means to me, looking back at how I’ve led my life and being really proud of it. Being like: ‘Yeah, you tried your best, and that was enough.’”

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-6.jpg__PID:043cfbba-1546-48a8-bf43-a67443592f98
R1-06998-0005.jpg__PID:a250bc1f-b63f-4737-bc29-d4d44a0ccb30

“I perceive fashion and clothes as stories, and as self expression, and as legacy. I’m like: “If I’m gonna wear this piece, if I’m going to buy into this item of clothing, what is it about? What are the stories behind it? What’s the legacy behind it?”

“But at the same time, fashion is fun. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt sometimes because at the end of the day, it is just clothes.”















Isabelle clearly appreciates the beauty, joy and pageantry of life, as well as the randomness and the silliness of it all.

Her perspective on fashion seems to extend to all aspects of her life, prompting her to think deeply about her legacy and act with integrity, without becoming overly self-serious.

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-1-2.jpg__PID:89dd9062-ce30-4ccd-8d26-06058d9c9d6f
R1-06998-0032.jpg__PID:80a3f602-9268-4ab7-8bbc-1604fd3bddb4














“My cultural identity as a Filipino person has always been massively important to me, and it has always fed into my work.”

Essence of expression - Rhubarb Store-2-2.jpg__PID:8560078d-a146-49b8-934b-6ce79bb567d3

“Now, in my thirties, I’m like: ‘You are so Asian.’ I think it’s how you move, and how you’re taught by your family to just be.”

“Being brought up in a Filipino household, there were just people around all the time. Are they cousins? Who knows? But we’re all cousins in a sense. We’re all Kabayan, which is Tagalog for ‘community’.”

“I think that really has shaped who I am as a person. And also, you know what they say: ‘No man is an island.’ We’re all connected in some capacity.”

R1-06998-0001.jpg__PID:4689e6bb-3208-4a14-9c9a-65277e70a9bb
R1-06998-0033.jpg__PID:b137a168-67a8-4164-b6a4-d023550de747

Isabelles upbringing has instilled a powerful sense of community. She speaks frequently about togetherness; of ‘we’ and ‘us’, aware that she’s a product of her environment, her culture, and people she surrounds herself with.

“I have a lot of love for people. My family and friends have been instrumental in everything [I do]. They are my foundation. We wouldn’t be here if not for each other.”

R1-06999-0003.jpg__PID:33a34255-ce4f-4605-ace6-541c18bffa0e

“I love [fashion]. Like, I really love it.”

Isabelle breaks into giddy laughter, like this is what she’s been waiting to talk about. She fully eases into the interview and you can feel her start talking from her heart, her passion and enthusiasm lifting the energy in the room.

R1-06998-0017.jpg__PID:b1d5caa9-f283-43e5-a44a-8984c930327f

“I think I love the fantasy of it, and I love the possibility of it, and I love getting dressed up. Getting dressed up in the morning is like: ‘What character am I playing today?’ Clothes make me feel really powerful. It makes you feel strong, it’s your armour in a sense. Fashion has always been for me: creativity, possibility, escapism, fantasy.”

“And also, it is artistry, and I think that really comes across in my work. It can be joyful, and it can be sorrowful and painful, but it’s me.” 

R1-06999-0025.jpg__PID:6eb598ba-c65c-48e3-a93a-d947e9040d5e

“My friend Chiani and I, we always joke about our pillars, our personal and professional pillars, and I think my pillars are: Creativity, integrity, and also legacy."

 “Legacy means to me: Looking back at how I’ve led my life and being really proud of it. Being like: ‘Yeah, you tried your best, and that was enough.’”

R1-06998-0005.jpg__PID:4b154c64-8598-4779-9317-e02ac7e08598

“I perceive fashion and clothes as stories, and as self expression, and as legacy. I’m like: “If I’m gonna wear this piece, if I’m going to buy into this item of clothing, what is it about? What are the stories behind it? What’s the legacy behind it?”

“But at the same time, fashion is fun. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt sometimes because at the end of the day, it is just clothes.”

R1-06999-0003.jpg__PID:33a34255-ce4f-4605-ace6-541c18bffa0e

Isabelle clearly appreciates the beauty, joy and pageantry of life, as well as the randomness and the silliness of it all.

Her perspective on fashion seems to extend to all aspects of her life, prompting her to think deeply about her legacy and act with integrity, without becoming overly self-serious.

R1-06998-0032.jpg__PID:80a3f602-9268-4ab7-8bbc-1604fd3bddb4

“My cultural identity as a Filipino person has always been massively important to me, and it has always fed into my work, and it has always been a massive part of me.”

R1-06999-0001.jpg__PID:543942d0-22a6-4817-ac41-48d49556d875

“Now, in my thirties, I’m like: ‘You are so Asian.’ I think it’s how you move, and how you’re taught by your family to just be.”

“Being brought up in a Filipino household, there were just people around all the time. Are they cousins? Who knows? But we’re all cousins in a sense. We’re all Kabayan, which is Tagalog for ‘community’.”

“I think that really has shaped who I am as a person. And also, you know what they say: ‘No man is an island.’ We’re all connected in some capacity.”

Her upbringing has instilled in Isabelle a powerful sense of community. She speaks frequently about togetherness; of ‘we’ and ‘us’, aware that she’s a product of her environment, her culture, and people she surrounds herself with.

R1-06998-0001.jpg__PID:4689e6bb-3208-4a14-9c9a-65277e70a9bb
R1-06998-0033.jpg__PID:b137a168-67a8-4164-b6a4-d023550de747

“I have a lot of love for people. My family and friends have been instrumental in everything [I do]. They are my foundation. We wouldn’t be here if not for each other.”