By Olivia Estrada
Maria Gan Couture celebrated the first anniversary of the atelier exactly one year after it opened its doors last August 8, 2026.
In the past year, the space has served as host to brides, debutants, bridesmaids, and so many other women in their ever-changing roles that love Maria Gan’s designs.
“Our first year in the atelier helped us establish a clear identity and created a center for a growing community that shares our vision,” Maria shares. “I’ve learned to trust my intuition more in the past year. I realized over time that there is strength in creating intentional and personal pieces. I’ve also learned that patience and adaptability are just as important as creativity.”
The anniversary celebration also saw an intimate gathering of press, influencers, and industry creatives. It was a dream girls’ day for everyone in attendance as they got to try-on the latest collection, Sumpa, A Bridal Ode to Sampaguita. The eight-piece collection showcases Maria’s continuing dedication to bridalwear. “It focuses on softness, restraint, and symbolism—drawing inspiration from the sampaguita as a representation of quiet, enduring love. Compared to previous collections, it feels more intimate and intentional.”
Sumpa, A Bridal Ode to Sampaguita is a versatile collection of eight pieces. Each piece can be for a specific bride or for an occasion within the bride’s journey. There’s Alon, a tiered dress that can be a pre-wedding look with its flowy silhouette. Giliw offers different possibilities as either a wedding prep look or as a welcome dinner dress. Mutya and Sinta are for the unconventional bride with its take on bridal separates. Tala can be for one’s reception look or for those who are planning a beach wedding. Hiraya and Wagas are Maria’s take on the classic bride, without compromising the designer’s cosmopolitan approach.
The titular piece, Sumpa, features an overlay that can be personalized with a hand-embroidered message.
Maria says, “Sumpa as a collection reflects a deeper understanding of my design voice. There’s more confidence in simplicity and less need to over-design. Every detail serves a purpose, and there’s a stronger emotional narrative behind each piece.”
The afternoon anniversary get-together is a symbol of the promise Maria Gan Couture takes to continuously capitalize on the trust it receives from its clients. It also provides the start of another year of opportunity for the designer who has so many more projects up her sleeve.
Maria says, “We hope to continue growing the atelier while staying true to our identity—expanding thoughtfully, exploring new techniques, and collaborating with like-minded creatives. Ultimately, the goal is to keep creating meaningful pieces that become part of our clients’ most important moments.”
Maria Gan Couture atelier anniversary celebration and bridal collection launch is co-sponsored by KNUA Fine Jewelry, New Lounge, TruForm Studio, SODA Nails, Jubert Valmores Films, It.Sura, Zuela’s Cafe, The Moomers, and MAOW Studios.
Maria Gan Couture. 8 Kanlaon Street, Bgy. Lourdes, Quezon City.
Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 AM to 6 PM. Strictly by appointment only.
Follow @mariagancouture, @mariaganofficial, and @mariaganedits on Instagram for updates.
All photos courtesy of Maria Gan Couture
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