In 2016, amidst the lively chaos of the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, I discovered a dress that seemed to whisper stories from another time. Its colors and patterns evoked memories of the magnificent churches I’d visited in Munich during Christmas—each one adorned with twinkling lights that mirrored the stars, casting a spell of serene beauty and grace.

That magical experience stayed with me, and as I looked at the dress years later, I felt a profound connection to those moments of awe and wonder. I decided to give the dress a new life by upcycling it into a kimono. Adding delicate rhinestones, I sought to capture the sparkling brilliance of the holiday lights, hoping to recreate the same sense of enchantment.

Crafting this kimono was a journey of connecting past memories with present creativity. It’s more than just a garment; it’s a celebration of the connections we feel with special places and times, and a reminder that even the simplest things can be transformed into something profoundly beautiful.