• VANEZA ABRANTES
Vaneza Abrantes is a Bacolod City-raised writer with a background in regional journalism and competitive writing. Now based in the United Kingdom, she works as an account manager within the commercial team at an HR services and software company for the education sector. She brings a unique perspective to storytelling, with a particular focus on the experiences of Filipinos living in the United Kingdom.
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London has long been a vibrant hub for innovation and new ventures. Amidst this dynamic landscape stands Maud London a proudly-Filipino and proudly-Negrosanon brand, telling the story of every striving Filipina in search of fashion that resonates with her, her story, and her lifestyle.
On February 7, Maud London hosted an exclusive launch event to unveil its latest collection, The Modern Bride.
The event was filled with Filipino pride, as colleagues and peers came together to show their full support for both the brand and its founder, Michelle “Meg” Cubid. Meg, as she’s affectionately known, shared the inspiring story behind the creation of Maud London.
The Story
In the serene seaside town of Hinobaan, Meg’s journey in fashion began. From a young age, she was captivated by the world of fashion, drawing inspiration from her mother and grand-aunt – two empowered women who instilled in her a love for fashion as a form of self-expression. Her innate talent shone through when she crafted her own gown for her high school graduation ball and, later, for her 18th birthday celebration.
During the launch party, Meg told us the story of how Maud London came to be:
“I moved to London 8 years ago, which presented new challenges for me. Balancing the demands of life in a new city with the responsibility of supporting my family back home meant I needed to prioritise value and affordability. Yet, I found myself constantly compromising on style or quality.
“This frustration reached a peak while planning my birthday photoshoot, where I struggled to find pieces that reflected my vision. I wanted to showcase my Filipino heritage but struggled to find pieces that were high-quality, stylish and affordable at the same time. So what did I do? I designed my clothes for the shoot, of course. Then I realised that this wasn’t just a personal solution, but a potential answer to a shared need. And that’s the origin story of Maud London’s first collection – The Modern Filipiniana. That is when the vision of the brand became clear – Maud London is a brand dedicated to crafting stylish, versatile, and accessible pieces that empower women to feel confident and beautiful every day.”
Collaborating with the local brand GetSpotted, Meg brought her visions to life, creating practical and fashionable pieces that resonate with the modern Filipina. Each item is made of materials locally sourced and meticulously crafted in Bacolod, proudly worn by Maud London customers across the UK and all around the world. This venture celebrates Negrense ingenuity and craftsmanship, presenting it to a global audience with pride.
Meg’s journey is a testament to her passion, creativity, and commitment to showcasing the exceptional talent from the motherland. Maud is more than just a brand—it’s a story of dreams realized and an enduring legacy of Filipino artistry.
The Brand
Meg, the creative force behind the brand Maud, proudly launched her first collection, The Modern Filipiniana in 2022. This debut line seamlessly blends traditional Filipino elements with contemporary fashion, offering pieces that are perfect for both formal and casual occasions. The collection features tops, jumpsuits, and dresses, all distinguished by the classic statement sleeves of traditional Filipiniana. Created in Bacolod, The Modern Filipiniana beautifully honours Filipino culture while also appealing to those living abroad, becoming elegant pieces that spark meaningful conversations about our Filipino heritage.
Recently, Meg has been showcasing her stunning collection at DCocina, a picturesque Filipino restaurant located on Holloway Road, just a few blocks from her flat. This venue has become a hub for Meg to connect with various Filipino groups, entrepreneurs, founders, and even celebrities and media personalities such as Valerie ‘Bangs’ Garcia and Rose Eclarinal. Through these pop-up events, Meg has been able to share her passion for fashion and her commitment to celebrating Negrense craftsmanship with the Filipino Community in the UK.
The Modern Filipiniana marks the beginning of a journey that honours tradition while embracing modernity, highlighting the exceptional talent and creativity that Meg brings to the London fashion scene. With each piece, Maud continues to elevate Filipino design for the modern woman, offering a unique blend of practicality and elegance that speaks to the heart of Filipino fashion.
The Modern Bride
Maud London’s latest collection, The Modern Bride, takes centre-stage. Inspired by Meg’s engagement to Krzystof Moskalewicz in May 2023, this collection emerged from her personal quest for a dress that truly reflected her style and personality. After an exhaustive search yielded no results, Meg decided to take matters into her own hands and create designs that cater not only to her tastes but also to those seeking bridal wear versatile enough to be worn beyond the wedding festivities.
True to Maud’s signature style, these pieces are infused with Filipino influences and crafted using traditional fabrics such as abaca. Each design in the collection is named after cities around the world that have played significant roles in Meg’s life, adding a personal and global touch to the collection. The Modern Bride collection is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the modern bride’s individuality.
The Launch Party
The recent event was more than just a launch; it was a proud celebration of Filipino culture at the heart of London. Attendees from all over the UK gathered to support Meg in her new venture, with all leaving in awe of the beautifully organized event. Held at Dcocina Restraurant, the venue’s warm and cozy atmosphere almost felt like a slice of the Philippine rainforests beautifully serving as a backdrop to the array of designs from the collection. The event was further elevated by the winners of Miss Philippines UK, who modelled each piece, adding an air of prestige to the occasion.
The atmosphere was charged with the warmth of Filipino hospitality and pride, as guests shared their stories during the event socials. The evening culminated in an iconic designer’s walk by Meg, who was greeted with a round of applause from everyone in the room, and a bouquet of flowers from her fiancé, Kris. Maud London’s exclusive launch party was a testament to Filipino culture, female empowerment, and the undeniable mark Filipinas leave wherever they go. The Modern Bride collection officially launches in the UK on Valentine’s Day and can also be found at Samu Life+Style in SM Department Store and Lopue’s East Centre. | NWI
