The pandemic really brought out the business savvy side of Filipinos and there was a boom of small local businesses that offer products that are truly world-class.
One brand that we fell in love with during the pandemic is Sebastian and Savannah. They initially launched in February 2021 selling RTW clothes and later on ventured into the shoe business.
Founded by Filipino-Chinese Kat Padilla, Sebastian and Savannah offer meticulously hand-crafted footwear that has versatile designs to match different personalities. According to Kat, they want to use vegan and cruelty-free leatherette that is more sustainable and has minimal impact on the environment.
“Sebastian & Savannah is a conscious posh shoe store that offers elevated casual footwear for the gentlelady. Our main aim for Sebastian & Savannah is for the brand’s DNA to be solidified, with pieces that are elegant, classic, and a little out of the ordinary. We really want to make this a true lifestyle brand offering unique and different pieces, at a super-attainable price point. We go beyond just creating and selling a well-crafted item, we aim for everyone to enjoy this affordable indulgence that it becomes an experience”, Kat said.
Kat is no stranger to the arts, she studied at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School and a Fashion Design and Merchandising major at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde which had helped her build the foundation of her design career. “I’ve always been into all things arts and fashion from bags to shoes, you name it. I grew up with a business-minded dad and just like him I also want to have my own business. Through the knowledge and experiences of my dad, he was able to guide me with how to start and run a business. That’s when Sebastian & Savannah was born”, she shared.
When asked about her inspiration for the business, she shares that she was greatly influenced by her family. “My mom was an interior designer, my uncle is a fashion designer based in Dubai and my sister is an artist as well. I am surrounded with design and creativity my whole life, so I always knew I wanted to have my own line. My dad on the other hand is a businessman. He taught me how to run a business and gives me business advice. So, with the mix of the business and creative sides of my family, I chose to start Sebastian and Savannah”, Kat added.
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As soon as we laid eyes on the Sebastian & Savannah shoes, we instantly fell in love. They have unique designs that you can mix and match whether you are just out for errands or if you need a dressy pair for a more formal occasion. Each pair is made with impeccable craftsmanship by local artisans and is handmade.
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Though Sebastian and Savannah is just a new brand, they aim to be a household name in the world of women’s fashion not just locally but internationally. “It’s ambitious, but given the opportunity we also want the world to know that sandals made in the Philippines can also compete and keep up globally #PhilippinePride”, Kat said.
Sebastian and Savannah
www.sebastianandsavannah.com
Instagram.com/sebastianandsavannah
