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As the fashion industry continues to demand constant creativity and innovation, Filipina fashion designers reflect on the importance of mental wellness and creative kindness in fostering a healthier, more thoughtful environment when it comes to their craft
In the Philippines, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic fashion scene, designers are beginning to speak more openly about the challenges of maintaining mental health in such a fast-paced, constantly evolving industry. Many designers and creatives believe that a certain level of ‘madness’ is necessary to produce truly unique work—it is this energy that drives innovation and sparks the birth of something beautiful. However, this intense passion can also take its toll, as the pressure to constantly create and perform can easily tip into burnout if not properly managed. Alongside, the rapid pace of trends and the demands of constant innovation, the toll on the well-being of creators has become a growing concern. As local designers reflect on the balance between creativity and self-care, they raise an important question: how can the industry better support the very people who drive it forward? Their perspectives offer valuable insights into how fashion can create a more sustainable and compassionate environment for its talents.
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Balancing Art and Wellness: Mara Chua’s Approach to Sustainable Fashion
For designer Mara Chua, the creative process is a constant pursuit. Since 2013, she has brought a unique perspective to the fashion industry, specializing in formal, evening, and bridal wear for women. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and healthy clientele, the designer has built a reputation for creating elegant, timeless pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. Through her work, she continues to carve a distinct path in the fashion world, emphasizing both creativity and sustainability in her designs.
Beyond her technical skill, however, creative kindness has become a central principle in her professional and personal philosophy—to her, this is a multifaceted concept: “Creative kindness should encompass being kinder to the planet, to our community, and to ourselves,” she describes. As a female designer in an industry known for its sometimes harsh and unrealistic beauty standards, Chua feels a personal responsibility to “be at the forefront of propagating kindness in the industry.” She points out that fashion has historically thrived by perpetuating unattainable ideals and fostering a culture of excessive consumption, particularly towards women. Reflecting on the role of kindness in her own work, she believes that embracing it allows her to approach design in a way that’s not only more sustainable, but also more authentic.
“Being kinder to oneself aids greatly in enriching our design processes. By taking the pedal off the incessant demands of the industry, we get to explore and develop at a pace that is more authentic to creative fulfillment.”
– Mara Chua
For Chua, maintaining mental wellness is integral to producing high-quality, meaningful work. Rather than succumbing to the pressures of constant production, she has found that nurturing a more balanced approach allows her to create with greater intention and care.
Despite the pressures that come with running a fashion label, including the fear of stagnation that can plague even the most seasoned of creatives, Chua finds balance through constant self-awareness. “Listening to one’s mind and body all the time helps navigate that balance between pursuing perfection and knowing when to take it slow,” she asserts. This approach has not only benefited her own well-being but has also contributed to her brand’s evolution. In her view, creative kindness is vital in shaping a healthier, more sustainable working environment. However, cultivating this culture hasn’t come without its challenges. “The hardest challenge is addressing the pressures of having to produce all the time,” Chua admits. “By slowing down, I get to see a clearer picture of where we are as a label and assess which aspects are most pertinent in healing and improving.” In the fast-paced world of fashion and its propensity for the next big thing, it’s this slower, more thoughtful approach that has allowed her to maintain a fulfilling and sustainable career.
For aspiring designers or female fashion leaders, Chua’s advice is simple yet profound: “We all have one life to live. We can’t be kind if we are not kind to ourselves first.” She reflects on how her perspective on kindness has evolved over time, particularly as she’s grown older and more attuned to her body’s needs. “At some point, beating the body by overworking is not worth it anymore. I realized there has to be a better, more sustainable way so I can ensure longevity in the craft I chose,” she says. However, this shift is not only about personal well-being but also about being kinder to the planet by reducing unnecessary waste. In this way, her approach to fashion is not just about creating beautiful designs—it’s about ensuring a lasting, positive impact on both the industry and the world at large.
Redefining Fashion’s Impact: Hindy Weber’s Radical Commitment to Creative Kindness
Hindy Weber is celebrated for her radically conscious approach to fashion. A lifelong creative and advocate for conscious living, she has always viewed fashion as a means of expressing both individuality and intention. With a career that spans bridal couture, ready-to-wear, eveningwear, and swimwear, Weber has made a name for herself through her commitment to craftsmanship, versatility, and ethical design. Her designs boast a creative sure-footedness, which she attributes to both authenticity and a finely tuned aesthetic. Through her work, Weber consistently emphasizes the importance of sustainability and conscious design practices, setting herself apart as a designer with a deeper understanding of both her craft and its impact on the world.
Weber defines “creative kindness” in the fashion industry as a practice that goes beyond just the work itself; it extends to the people and processes involved in fashion creation. She explains, “There’s a tendency in this industry to gatekeep methods, sources, suppliers. Honestly, I’ve hardly ever felt supported by senior designers or the government when it comes to accessibility to textiles and production. I’ve gotten moral support and advice, but when it came to production, I was all on my own. I had to learn from the ground up and that takes more time and money.” For Weber, this lack of support is a major barrier for many designers, especially those starting out. She acknowledges the importance of offering mentorship and support to younger designers, which she practices through her internship program at SoFA. “Two of the most generous designers are Inno Sotto and Jojie Lloren,” she notes, emphasizing how their guidance has impacted her own journey. “I try to be supportive of younger designers through the internship program of SoFA. I have employed most of my interns, and they’ve gone on to become successful designers in their own right.”
In a fashion industry that often prioritizes constant production, Weber’s approach embraces a more thoughtful and intentional pace. “I don’t follow global trends or show schedules. I don’t necessarily follow Pantones of the year either, so that in itself tempers the thrust to overproduce,” she shares with MEGA. This refusal to adhere to the industry’s fast pace allows her to avoid unnecessary pressures, a stance that is reflected in both her designs and business model. Weber is particularly critical of the mass production mindset that dominates retail, calling out the detrimental effects of high-volume, low-cost formulas. “I walk into a mass brand store in any mall, and I am appalled at the amount of clothes they have. Multiply that by the number of stores they have around the world, and you’ve got so much fashion waste. I really struggle with the winning formula for retail: higher volume, lower costs. I think it’s very destructive to the environment and to the craft of fashion.” In line with this, for Weber, fashion should be a reflection of the same care and consideration that goes into producing food.
“I see fashion the same way as I see food. It starts with the soil, the seeds, the crops, the harvest, the production and distribution; and all the people throughout that process.”
– Hindy Weber
By ensuring that every step of her production process honors both human and environmental health, she challenges the fashion industry to reconsider its relationship with both its craft and its impact on the planet.
Designing with Compassion: Ryna Brito-Garcia’s Focus on Mindful Creation
Ryna Brito-Garcia is the founder and designer behind Eve.Ry Femme, a label that caters to those seeking minimalist, sophisticated tailoring with a focus on timeless designs. Inspired by a trip to Seoul, where she discovered a women’s tailor in Hannam, Brito-Garcia saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the Philippine market for personalized, high-quality suits for women. Through Eve.Ry Femme, she combines style, functionality, and sophistication, creating perfectly crafted pieces that elevate everyday wardrobes with clean lines and impeccable tailoring.
For Brito-Garcia, “creative kindness” in the fashion industry means designing with intention and empathy, focusing not only on the end product but also on the broader impact of the design process. “It’s about fostering a space where creativity thrives without toxicity, where innovation isn’t fueled by burnout but by a real love for the craft,” she explains. This mindset extends beyond the work itself, encouraging mindfulness about how design choices affect not only the wearer but also the people involved in bringing the vision to life, and even the planet. Brito-Garcia believes kindness also includes a responsibility towards sustainability—recognizing that fashion isn’t just about trends but about the lasting impact of what we create. “Creative kindness means being conscious of how we source materials, how we produce, and how our designs impact the environment and communities around us,” she notes. “Fast fashion has conditioned us to think of clothes as disposable, but as designers, we have the power to shift that mindset.” As a female designer, Brito-Garcia sees it as crucial to champion this philosophy, especially in an industry often dominated by unrealistic standards, relentless pressure, and burnout. “We’re in a position to change that, to create environments where women can lead, create, and succeed without losing themselves in the process,” she emphasizes. “Fashion has always been a reflection of culture, and right now, what we need more of is thoughtful, considered, and human-centered design.”
In a fast-paced industry driven by constant production, Brito-Garcia finds that embracing kindness in her creative process helps her stay grounded. “Embracing kindness in the process means choosing quality over speed and allowing myself to create without being consumed by the pressure to constantly put out more,” she shares. Rather than succumbing to the relentless demands of fashion, Brito-Garcia focuses on being intentional with her work. “It forces me to be intentional—asking, ‘Does this piece matter? Does it contribute to something bigger?’” For her, fashion isn’t just about producing for the sake of releasing new collections, but about creating pieces that truly resonate. This mindset has proven invaluable to her brand, helping her navigate the pressures of the fashion industry while maintaining her commitment to meaningful design and sustainable practices. She asserts, “The fashion industry is relentless, and if you’re not careful, you start measuring your worth by output instead of impact. Kindness lets me step back, recalibrate, and remind myself that slower, thoughtful progress is still progress.”
Brito-Garcia also emphasizes the importance of balance when pushing creative boundaries.
“I’ve learned that pushing creative boundaries doesn’t mean pushing myself to my limits. Some of the most innovative work comes not from pressure, but from an environment where people feel safe to experiment and take risks.”
– Ryna Brito-Garcia
This philosophy is reflected in the core values of Eve.Ry Femme, which seeks to provide women with well-tailored, high-quality clothing that empowers them without the need for stress-driven production. The biggest challenge, however, has been unlearning the hustle culture, which glorifies stress and burnout. “The hustle culture conditions us to glorify struggle and burnout, making it feel like if we’re not exhausted, we’re not doing enough,” she reflects. “For a long time, I measured my worth by how much I could handle rather than the actual impact of my work. But I’ve come to realize that discipline and pressure aren’t the same thing.” By shifting her mindset, Brito-Garcia has learned that intentional, thoughtful work leads to greater productivity and success, both for her as a designer and for her brand.
As advice for other female designers, Brito-Garcia emphasizes the importance of building a work environment rooted in kindness, trust, and intentionality. “Be intentional with your work. Ask yourself why you’re designing something—if it doesn’t align with your values, let it go,” she advises. She also stresses that kindness should never be equated with weakness: “You can set high standards without being cutthroat.” Brito-Garcia encourages creating a team culture where people feel safe to explore and innovate, noting that fear-driven environments stifle creativity, while trust fosters growth. “Set boundaries,” she continues. “Overworking yourself doesn’t prove anything. The best ideas come when your mind has space to breathe and inspire.” Ultimately, Brito-Garcia believes in leading by example: “If you want a culture of creative kindness, embody it in the way you work, communicate, and create.”
Brito-Garcia’s evolution as a designer has also taught her the value of maintaining a work-life balance. “I used to think success meant pushing myself to the limit—that the more I sacrificed, the more I deserved to win,” she shares. However, experiencing burnout firsthand shifted her perspective. “Working unsustainably wasn’t just hurting me; it was also unfair to my team. As I gained more experience, and maybe a little wisdom with age, I’ve come to understand that being kind to my work, my team, and myself isn’t a weakness—it’s a necessity. A good leader doesn’t just demand results; they create an environment where creativity and productivity can truly thrive. And that doesn’t happen in survival mode—it requires space, care, and balance.”
For Brito-Garcia, embracing kindness and balance has become an integral part of her creative process and leadership style. She continues to say, “I also learned that success isn’t just about work—it’s about finding peace outside of it. Whether that’s through taking care of your body, nurturing relationships with a loving partner, friends and family, having the unconditional comfort of pets, or simply enjoying small joys like reading and eating well. When you allow yourself to be whole outside of work, you bring a stronger, clearer version of yourself into it.”
In the Philippines, as the fashion industry evolves, the importance of mental wellness and creative kindness has become increasingly evident among Filipino designers. By prioritizing self-care, sustainability, and empathy, designers like Mara Chua, Hindy Weber, and Ryna Brito-Garcia are not only reshaping how fashion is created but also fostering a more compassionate and balanced industry. Their commitment to thoughtful design, mindful production, and supportive work environments demonstrates that creativity can thrive when nurtured with care, ensuring both personal well-being and lasting impact on the industry and the planet.
Photos and Featured Image: MARA CHUA (via Instagram), HINDY WEBER, EVE.RY FEMME (via Website)
