The phrase “having the best of both worlds” was popularized by a certain Disney teen show. Yet, for Pia Gajasan, the phrase has become a reality. Working in completely different worlds will only be effective if you set your heart on it, she says.

Gajasan recently graduated from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. She appears as the bubbly fashionista, but looks can be deceiving. She finished Mass Communications, Major in Film, at the University of the Philippines in 2006 and is also the New Media department head of a local TV channel.

Sometimes, she moonlights as a freelance copywriter. But she opted to study fashion, even if she was earning well from her executive job, for one simple reason: her love of clothes and dressing up.

“Even when I was a little kid, I used to sew a lot of Barbie clothes. It’s something I really like. I used to watch fashion-related shows, and I bought a lot of fashion magazines. Fashion has a lot of construction and architectural influences, too.”

Balancing various career paths can be stressful and daunting. However, Gajasan makes time for both her 9-to-5 job and her passion for fashion. She has been commissioned to do the fashion editorials of several local fashion magazines, while also managing her TV channel team.

Both fields keep her sane and creative, she says. “I like the balance of working as a designer and working for a TV channel. I still get to practice what I studied in school. If we work on some things for a long time, things can get tedious and boring. That takes away the fun, especially in fashion.”

t1025y-maureen_feat1_2 — Asymmetrical. Black-and-white asymmetrical dress with neon and mesh accents from Pia Gajasan, black pumps with double ankle straps from Aldo

Along with those of the other FIP fashion graduates of 2013, Gajasan recently presented a collection divided into four sets. But the collection could be expanded into 10 more outfit pairings.

Empowered

Gajasan knows her clientele very well: modern, empowered women. The collection is approachable, practical, and can easily adapt to varying personal styles.

From suede high-waist pants, houndstooth cropped tops with mesh accents, suede cropped tops with leather front panels, and gray sweatshirts with leather-panel sleeves, to high-slit wraparound pencil skirts and a black-and-white asymmetrical dress with mesh and neon accents, the collection displays clean, streamlined tailoring and product depth.

Even if they hint at streetwear, Gajasan’s clothes have finesse and a hint of sexiness. She is a good example of a young designer who makes critical fabric choices. Of course, technical skills still play an integral part, but fabric can make or break a line.

“I wanted something wearable. I wanted it to look couture, in the sense that it looked refined and elegant. I wanted all the edges to be sharp and clean. I wanted the wearer to be more aware of the space around her,” Gajasan says.

t1025y-maureen_feat1_4 — Cropped. Suede cropped topwith leather front panel and suede high-waist pants from Pia Gajasan, silver necklace from Aldo, and Aztec-print pumps from Pedro

Prabal Gurung, Chanel, Alexander Wang and Peter Pilotto are a few of the international style influences she cites.

“I want my collection to look more approachable. I don’t do a lot of gowns for that reason. I try to veer away from high-end couture looks because I want my clothes to appeal to a younger crowd,” she says.

Gajasan is planning to dabble in menswear, too. It is an area she wants to explore aside from strengthening her sportswear line. She has received some job offers from local brands, but has not said yes to anyone.

“They asked me if I could create something for them. I think it’s better to build my own brand. More often than not, the brand names can overshadow your own brand because you don’t get to decide on the looks and target market you want. Although it’s a great opportunity, it’s just not the right time for me,” she says.