Jaehwa Bernardo

Saudi Arabia-based Filipino fashion designer Herald Haisa

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Filipino designer tailors successful career in Saudi Arabia

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17803948895881000068459.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/>Saudi Arabia-based Filipino fashion designer Herald Haisa</div>RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — From sketching dresses at the back of school notebooks in Cavite to creating designs for high-profile personalities in Saudi Arabia, a Filipino fashion designer from Naic is proving that talent, perseverance, and passion can take dreams far beyond borders. Herald Haisa, 36, is making a name for himself in the Kingdom&#x27;s fashion industry, working with prominent members of the Saudi Royal Family, influential Arab personalities, renowned artists, and even international figures, showcasing Filipino creativity and craftsmanship on a global stage.Long before his designs reached elite circles, Haisa was a young boy with a vivid imagination. He recalls spending hours drawing elaborate dresses in his notebooks — bouffant skirts, oversized bows, and intricate lace details filling page after page.Those childhood sketches would eventually become the foundation of a remarkable career.His formal journey began with six months of basic dressmaking training before pursuing a Fashion Design course at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School. He later continued his studies under a scholarship program, determined to develop his craft despite the challenges that came with it.&quot;I thought fashion would be easy,&quot; Haisa said. &quot;But when I entered fashion school, I realized there was so much more to learn — from basic silhouettes to avant-garde designs. There was a time I almost quit, but I knew I had a dream worth pursuing.&quot;Fashion was not always part of Haisa&#x27;s plan. During his secondary school years, he became fascinated by the work of a dressmaker — the mother of one of his close friends — who would create patterns directly on fabric with remarkable precision.That fascination soon turned into a passion.His father also played a significant role in shaping his creative spirit. A painter and lettering artist in their hometown, he demonstrated how dedication and artistry could transform simple materials into meaningful creations.&quot;Watching my father work taught me that creativity is not just a skill — it is a gift that can be nurtured and developed,&quot; Haisa said.<div>Move to Saudi</div>Moving to Saudi Arabia became one of the most important chapters of his career.Upon arriving in the Kingdom, Haisa encountered different sewing techniques, embroidery styles, and approaches to craftsmanship. Rather than seeing these differences as obstacles, he embraced them as opportunities to grow.The experience allowed him to learn from skilled professionals, expand his knowledge, and refine his artistic vision.&quot;The people I worked with generously shared their techniques and experiences. Through them, I learned that growth comes from collaboration, humility, and openness to learning,&quot; he said.Today, those lessons have helped him establish himself within some of Saudi Arabia&#x27;s most distinguished social and creative circles.Haisa credits some of the world&#x27;s most celebrated designers for helping shape his artistic identity.Among his inspirations are Christian Dior, Madeleine Vionnet, and Paul Poiret for their timeless elegance and romanticism. He also admires Japanese fashion pioneers Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto for their bold and unconventional approaches to design.His appreciation for theatrical and avant-garde fashion draws inspiration from John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood, whose work pushed the boundaries of creativity and storytelling.For Haisa, fashion is much more than creating beautiful garments.Every design begins with understanding the client&#x27;s personality and blending it with his own creative signature.&quot;I want every piece to reflect both the client and myself. It becomes a collaboration — a balance between their identity and my artistic vision,&quot; he explained.His process involves carefully studying the concept, selecting the right materials, applying the appropriate construction techniques, and ensuring every detail contributes to the final masterpiece.<div>Humility</div>Despite his growing success, Haisa remains grounded in the values that have guided him throughout his journey.He credits his achievements to patience, adaptability, continuous learning, humility, and unwavering faith.&quot;I do my best in every step of the process, and at the end of the day, I trust that God will do the rest,&quot; he said.

From sketching dresses at the back of school notebooks in Cavite to creating designs for high-profile personalities in Saudi Arabia, a Filipino fashion designer from Naic is proving that talent, perseverance, and passion can take dreams far beyond borders.

From sketching dresses at the back of school notebooks in Cavite to creating designs for high-profile personalities in Saudi Arabia, a Filipino fashion designer from Naic is proving that talent, perseverance, and passion can take dreams far beyond borders.

Filipino designer tailors successful career in Saudi Arabia

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Filipino designer tailors successful career in Saudi Arabia

ABS-CBN News,

JP Aleta

Published June 03, 2026 10:00 AM PHT

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