In a recent conversation, visionary Filipino designer Bessie Besana chose to reminisce about his journey as a fashion designer from his childhood and shift to the creative side in his late twenties. Born and raised in the Philippines, Besana's journey into fashion began with humble roots.

Photography courtesy of Bessie Besana.

From his early days as a student at Philippine couturier Slim Higgins’ fashion school, he understood the significance of embracing the colorful and multi-faceted heritage of the country through his designs. He firmly believes that "the biggest asset of the Philippine fashion industry are the islands that come with it," emphasizing his belief in the richness of Filipino culture and tradition.

Initially starting as an engineer, he hesitated to dabble in fashion and create a full-time career. “Back then and even now, Filipinos always thought about the societal expectations and pressure that we encounter daily, specifically from family. It wasn’t something tha...