Local designer makes mark with ‘touch of shine’ designs
He pursued what his heart desired most despite the many obstacles he encountered then.
One of Cebu’s respected names in fashion design, Wendell Quisido, has always loved to sketch designs in his notebooks. He created unique original pieces that soon captured the hearts not only of the locals in Cebu but other fashion enthusiasts around the country as well.
Back then his father however didn’t approved of it and when he was in college, he initially enrolled in accountancy.
“I realized however that my heart is really into arts and designing so I secretly enrolled in fine arts at the University of San Carlos.”
According to Quisido, he managed to keep it a secret from his parents until he was at third year.
He was already working on the side as RTW or ready-to-wear designer at one of Cebu’s already well known fashion design empire – Romoff.
“That was in 1995. I go to school in the morning and then work in the afternoon. I was already earning enough to shoulder some of my financial needs especially in school.”
His stint at Romoff from 1995 to 1997 gave him enough learning experience to start on his own and build his own brand after finishing his Fine Arts degree with major in Advertising.
Quisido’s mom had an existing sewing shop in Urgello that used to produce sportswear which he then used as his first boutique.
“I named it then as Shido Boutique because that’s what my classmates used to call me,” said Quisido.
Quisido started with about P20,000 investment with one sewing machine and tailor.
Soon enough Quisido’s client base grew after clients came to him and were satisfied with his work.
In 2003 Quisido trasferred in Salinas Drive in Lahug because the space in Urgello can no longer accommodate the volume of the customers.
“Then I already have about five people working for me and two machines for our production,” said Quisido.
In 2005 he also transferred to a bigger place in Campo still in Lahug where he stayed and built his brand now using his real name Wendell Quisido.
According to Quisido his designs have his personal signature in them which he describes as sexy, comfortable to wear and elaborate.
“I always use materials that will put a touch of ‘shine’ in them because I want my customers to be noticed when they’re wearing the dress,” said Quisido.
For many years, Quisido has also joined in events including sponsoring of pageant candidates as his venue to promote his designs and often times he always gets an award for them.
He has also joined organizations in Cebu where he meets a lot of other designers and learn from them as well as share what he also knows to them.
Aside from designing, Quisido also offers rental and hair and make-up services.
“For my customers I usually make sure that their hair and makeup goes well with the dress that I made for them. It is sort of a one-stop shop for them,” said Quisido.
According to Quisido, his is more into the bridal gown and entourage business also offering suits for men.
Just last week, after years of saving up, Quisido opened his very own design studio in Mabolo, Cebu City.
“I set it a goal for myself to have my own studio and here it is. A three-story building that holds my office, production area and my home all in one,”he said.
He said he invested around P7 million.
For his plans, Quisido said he would move forward by strengthening his brand and eventually growing it from a local to a national or even an international brand.
