Despite the erratic delays in production due to the rough effects of the pandemic, one innovative entrepreneur determinedly pushed on with her dream: to produce vegan shoes to empower the ever-evolving Filipina.
Kat Padilla, 24, established Sebastian & Savannah as “a conscious posh label as passionate about reshaping modern fashion as it is about sustainability and local production.”
With her emerging brand, she wishes to provide stylish footwear at an affordable price point for the everyday woman’s wardrobe — all while utilizing vegan leather, plant-based cruelty-free sustainable material which mimic genuine leather.
However, it was not a smooth journey. The Filipino-Chinese Slim’s Fashion and Arts School alumna and Fashion Design and Merchandising major at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde encountered various production difficulties. “Four to five skilled artisans worked on our collection. But with lockdowns and quarantines being implemented, we abided by the rules for the safety of everyone, making us stop production or work with a skeletal system,” she admitted.
She quickly adapted to the new world and even redefined her workflow. “The pandemic affected how I communicated with my various suppliers. I no longer meet them face to face. Now I talk to them via Zoom or chat with them through the various messaging apps,” she revealed.
With this shift in almost everything, she has likewise learned to switch gears at a snap of a finger. “Always observe what works for you and what’s not, to easily swerve to the right direction. Time and money is really important these days, that’s why we can’t afford to bet on something that’s not working or benefiting us.”
Today, the brand currently carries several series of shoes, such as The Pilot, The Krokodille, The Ofélia, The Ingrid and a selection of heels, all in various well-curated colors.
From a creative and entrepreneurial household, Padilla’s biggest inspiration is her family, who provided unconditional support, no matter what. “Another thing that drives me is my passion and love for my craft. I get so excited when my designs come to life. It’s a fulfilling feeling seeing your works out in the world, making women happy and empowering them.
This is really something I look forward to doing to my heart’s content.”
When asked for advice to aspiring designers, she said “Create something different. You won’t stand out if you offer the same as everyone else. You can’t just focus on one aspect of the business; you need to be knowledgeable in all. Build connections with inspiring people and be an inspiration yourself.”
