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Liminal spaces have become more talked about recently in pop culture, yet the concept itself has always been fascinating to think about. In this pocket, you’re neither here nor there. Your fixed point of arrival is in your line of sight, but your state of being still belongs in the in-between. The transition is your journey itself. And interestingly, it’s here in this rhythm of leaving and going that you discover things about yourself.
One thing to know about Carlene Zervoulakos is that she has always been willing to explore her interest in fashion. Born and raised in Manila, she founded her own atelier at just 19 years old—a milestone she deeply appreciated, though her vision was always grander. Her time at the University of the Arts London (UAL) naturally became the catalyst for her brand’s next chapter.
Now, everything comes full circle. Two years since Zervoulakos’ last exclusive with MEGA, she returns with a S/S26 collection that draws directly from her years spent moving between London and Manila.
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Inside Atelier Carlene’s S/S26 Collection
“Being one of the few Southeast Asian designers based (in London) made me lean further into my own identity and embrace it more deeply,” she shares. “Coming home to Manila always feels grounding. There’s a warmth and vibrancy to it that naturally finds its way into my work, whether through color, detail, or a more playful way of dressing.”
As with many creatives who are devoted to their pursuit of expression, Zervoulakos’ latest lineup is a labor of love. “I wanted the pieces to feel expressive and special while still remaining effortless,” she explains. She describes many of the garments as being constructed “from tiny individual units and developed piece by piece in the atelier,” needing immense handwork behind the scenes. But even with dense embellishment and beadwork, the clothes maintain lightness. They never appear weighed down by their craftsmanship, nor feel intimidating.
“I’ve always been drawn to playful couture,” Zervoulakos says. The challenge, according to the designer, came through execution. Embroidery that appears spontaneous often still requires extensive planning beforehand, from sketching layouts to adjusting the density and scale of every detail. So the process for her became finding ways to translate richness into effortlessness.
Even though her collection features statement designs, the designer hopes that people have fun with it. She aspires for her pieces to come across as distinct yet easy enough for others to reach for in their everyday lives—not just for special occasions. Considered, yet playful. Thoughtfully crafted and detailed, yet not too precious to enjoy.
“They’re meant to be lived in, styled differently each time, and most importantly, enjoyed and made your own,” she concludes. “I think style becomes interesting when you stop saving your favourite pieces for later. Some of the best outfits happen on ordinary days. More than anything, I hope this collection reminds people that fashion can be playful and something to enjoy. Not everything beautiful has to wait for an occasion.”
It can be said that with her S/S26 release, Carlene Zervoulakos offers the best of both her worlds: the intentional refinement regarding clothes that she learned in London, as well as the familiar lightness of an archipelago that many of us call home.
Photos: CARLENE ZERVOULAKOS (via Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
Carlene Zervoulakos is a Filipino fashion designer based in London and one of the few Southeast Asian designers working in that market. She operates under the label Atelier Carlene and draws on her dual life between London and Manila as a consistent creative reference in her collections.
The S/S26 collection is rooted in Zervoulakos’ experience of moving between London and Manila. Time away from the Philippines deepened her appreciation for its warmth and color, which she translated into playful, handcrafted pieces that balance richness with lightness.
Many garments in the S/S26 collection are built from individual units, assembled piece by piece in the atelier with extensive handwork. Despite dense embellishment and beadwork, the pieces are designed to feel effortless and light rather than heavy or occasion-specific.
Zervoulakos describes her approach as playful couture — thoughtfully constructed and richly detailed, yet accessible enough for everyday wear. She designs with the intention that pieces be styled differently each time and enjoyed rather than saved for special occasions.
Atelier Carlene can be followed on Instagram at @ateliercarlene, where Zervoulakos also documents her design process and new collections. The designer’s personal account is @carlenezervoulakos.
