Maritess De Ocampo

MELE + MARIE opens boutique in Rustan's Makati

Article (news)

MELE + MARIE in Rustan's

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786324088161MELE + MARIE THUMBNAIL.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>MELE + MARIE opens its boutique in Rustan&#x27;s Makati</div>After earning recognition in international fashion capitals, Filipino luxury brand MELE + MARIE finds a new home at Rustan’s Makati—bringing its handcrafted bags, jewelry, and philosophy of purposeful luxury closer to the Filipino audience.For MELE + MARIE, building a Filipino luxury brand has meant looking outward without losing sight of where it began.Rooted in Nueva Ecija and nurtured in Cebu, the brand has spent more than a decade developing its distinctive approach to artisanal handbags, jewelry, and fashion accessories. Its work has received recognition abroad, including a Design Excellence Award in New York for the Joana Bag and the 2023 Katha Award for Best Product Design in Fashion for the Emman Clutch.MELE + MARIE has also become a presence at Première Classe Paris, held alongside Paris Fashion Week, and has showcased its collections at exhibitions in Versailles, New York, and other international fashion destinations. Its creations have appeared in publications including British Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Greece, Harper’s Bazaar France, and Numéro France.Now, after years of bringing its work to audiences overseas, MELE + MARIE has entered a new chapter closer to home.The Filipino luxury brand has recently opened its boutique at Rustan’s Makati officially, becoming part of the department store’s Global Artisan Collection. The opening was accompanied by a four-day showcase at the Gallerie on the second level of Rustan’s Makati, featuring the brand’s latest artisanal handbag and jewelry collections.For Creative Director Rome Oamil, however, the significance of the partnership extends well beyond opening another retail space.“MELE + MARIE believes in perfect timing, and choosing the right partner matters just as much as the journey itself,” she shares. “When the timing is right and your partner shares your vision, your brand can truly make an impact.”<div>A homecoming years in the making</div>The relationship between MELE + MARIE and Rustan’s began years before the boutique opened.According to the brand, the late Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, former chairperson of the Rustan Group of Companies, first discovered MELE + MARIE at an international fashion event. A chance reunion with Marie Oamil at Rustan’s Makati in March 2023 later rekindled the connection.The partnership eventually took shape through the leadership of Rustan Commercial Corporation’s fashion merchandising team, including Head of Fashion Merchandising Gina Bonoan and Women’s Division Merchandise Manager Reah Castro, together with the Women’s Team, who saw MELE + MARIE as a fit for the retailer’s Global Artisan Collection.For Rome, joining Rustan’s feels particularly significant after seeing the brand gain recognition overseas.“At MELE + MARIE, we believe that luxury is more than a lifestyle, it is a lifestyle with purpose,” she says. “That is why having our brand at Rustan’s, who has the best curation of luxury shops in the country, is more than a retail milestone; it feels like coming home with the best partner, one who has the reputation and understanding of the global market and [is] willing to share our story with Filipino clients and to the world beyond.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786324441640MM2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Jackie Avecilla, Rustan’s Head of Marketing; Michael Huang, Rustan’s Senior Vice President for Store Development and Expansion; Rome Oamil, Creative Director of Mele + Marie; Melecio Oamil, President of Mele + Marie; Marie Oamil, Managing Director of Mele + Marie; Nikki Huang, Rustan’s Director of Business Development; Gina Bonoan, Rustan’s Head of Fashion Merchandising; and Reah Castro, Rustan’s Women’s Division Merchandise ManagerHaving seen MELE + MARIE accepted in fashion capitals including New York, Paris, and Milan, Rome says the experience has reinforced her belief that meaningful design can transcend geography.</div>“It reminds me that luxury has no borders when it is created with authenticity, exceptional craftsmanship, and purpose,” she says.Yet bringing the brand home carries its own meaning.“When someone carries a MELE + MARIE creation, I hope they feel more than elegance,” Rome explains. “I hope they feel inspired to embrace their own story, pursue their purpose with confidence, and remember that the most meaningful luxury is something made by hand, created from the heart, and meant to be treasured for generations.”For her, this is ultimately what the homecoming represents: “It is not simply bringing back a global luxury brand, but sharing pieces that connect hearts, celebrate exceptional craftsmanship, and remind us that every beautiful life has a story worth telling.”As Rome puts it, “We don’t simply create bags and jewelry. MELE + MARIE creates collectible pieces that tell the story of our lives, hoping they become part of yours.”<div>Keeping its Filipino heart</div>International exposure has expanded MELE + MARIE’s audience, but Rome says the recognition has not changed what lies at the center of the brand. “What has never changed is our purpose,” she says. For the designer, every award, international recognition, and editorial feature serves less as an endpoint than as an affirmation of the ideas that have guided the label since its beginnings.“Each one has been an affirmation of our brand’s vision and a reminder to remain faithful to our purpose, our story, and the values that have guided MELE + MARIE from the very beginning.”Those stories are deeply personal. “Every MELE + MARIE art piece begins with our family’s journey,” Rome explains. “It is inspired by the victories and challenges we experience in everyday life. Every collection tells a story of where we came from, what we believe in, and the life we hope to inspire in others.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786324662842MM3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>That grounding has also shaped the way she understands Filipino identity within an increasingly international brand. “For us, true luxury is not defined by where a piece is displayed, but by the soul behind its creation,” she says. “Whether our collections are in New York, Paris, Milan, or anywhere else in the world, the heart of MELE + MARIE remains proudly Filipino.”Rather than seeing local identity and global ambition as opposing forces, Rome hopes the brand can serve as a connection between the two. “We hope every piece becomes a bridge that shares our heritage, our artistry, and our story,” she says. “We want our brand to be living proof that a meaningful creation can connect hearts across cultures.”<div>When a collection begins with a story</div>Rome has described MELE + MARIE as being guided by three values: telling stories from the heart, unwavering faith, and celebrating beauty in every aspect of life.Those principles are not simply part of the brand’s messaging. For Rome, they inform how a collection begins. “Every MELE + MARIE collection begins with a story before it becomes a sketch,” she says. “Our greatest inspiration is our own life journey.”The roots of that philosophy reach back to a defining chapter in her family’s story. Rome shares that when her parents’ first child, Hannah, was born, she weighed six pounds. At only five days old, Hannah underwent open-heart surgery. “By God’s grace, she survived,” Rome says. “That experience changed my parents’ life, and mine, forever. It taught us that every life is precious, every challenge can become a testimony, and every victory is worth celebrating.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786324313079MM 1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="651.992" style="width:651.992px"/>MELE + MARIE&#x27;s Rome Oamil, Creative Director; Marie Oamil, Managing Director; Melecio Oamil, President; and Hannah Oamil, Marketing Director</div>That experience would eventually become part of the values underlying MELE + MARIE and its approach to creation. “That is why every collection carries a piece of our story,” she explains. “We draw inspiration from our family’s journey, from nature, from our faith, and from the moments that shape us. We believe that beauty becomes even more meaningful when it reflects hope, resilience, and purpose.”From selecting natural materials to refining handcrafted details, Rome says decisions are made intentionally. Bags and jewelry are conceived not simply as accessories, but as handmade works of art that can carry meaning beyond their aesthetic value. “It is not simply to be worn, but to tell a story, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire others to embrace their own journey with faith, courage, and purpose.”And for Rome, the greatest measure of a piece’s value may ultimately have little to do with fashion. “If our creations remind someone that beauty can rise from life’s greatest challenges, then we know we have created something far more valuable than a luxury piece,” she says. “We have created something that touches the heart.”<div>Rethinking what Filipino luxury can mean</div>As conversations around luxury increasingly encompass craftsmanship, authenticity, longevity, and provenance, MELE + MARIE is positioning its own definition around something similarly intangible: meaning. “At MELE + MARIE, we hope to redefine luxury through the stories we tell and the pieces we create,” Rome says. “Every bag and every piece of jewelry is conceptualized and made as a work of art, inspired by our family’s journey in life.”For Rome, the value of a luxury object cannot be reduced to the name attached to it. “Luxury is not defined by a logo,” she says. “It is defined by the hands that create it,” as well as by the story, emotion, and sense of empowerment a piece can carry for the person wearing it.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786324694501MM5.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:625px"/></div>Her ambition is for MELE + MARIE to stand internationally as a Filipino luxury brand rooted in what she describes as “mindful luxury artistry and craftsmanship.” “I hope that every creation not only showcases world-class design but also inspires people to believe that beauty with purpose has the power to touch lives,” she says.She also hopes the Oamil family’s journey encourages a greater appreciation for handmade artistry and meaningful design while demonstrating that Filipino creativity can occupy a place within the international luxury landscape. “If the MELE + MARIE Oamil family journey encourages others to value handmade artistry, embrace meaningful design, and believe that Filipino creativity belongs among the world’s finest luxury brands, then we know MELE + MARIE has fulfilled a purpose far greater than fashion.”<div>Building a legacy beyond the brand</div>With MELE + MARIE approaching its 14th anniversary in 2027, Rome is already thinking beyond individual collections and milestones. “The next chapter is about building a lasting legacy,” she says.Faith remains integral to that vision. “We have always believed that God calls us to be the head and not the tail,” Rome shares. “It is our duty to lead with excellence, create with purpose, and use our gifts to make a difference.”It is a belief she says has guided MELE + MARIE from its beginnings and continues to shape its ambitions. “We want MELE + MARIE to become a global symbol of Filipino excellence, where every collection showcases not only beautiful design but also the extraordinary talent, craftsmanship, and creativity of Filipino artisans.”But Rome also sees legacy in terms of the doors that one Filipino brand might help open for those who come after it. “More importantly, we hope to open doors for the next generation of designers,” she says. “If young creatives look at our journey and believe they, too, can build globally respected brands without losing their Filipino identity, then that is an accomplishment we will forever be proud of.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786324730703MM4.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>For Rome, the bigger aspiration is therefore not simply to build a successful label. “Our legacy is not simply creating luxury bags and jewelry,” she says. “It is proving that Filipino creativity, when guided by purpose, faith, and excellence, belongs among the world’s most respected luxury houses, and inspiring others to lead with that same confidence.”As MELE + MARIE begins its chapter at Rustan’s, Rome also recognizes the platforms and people who have helped Filipino creative stories reach broader audiences. She shares her appreciation for ABS-CBN Lifestyle “for continuing to celebrate and share the stories of Filipino creativity,” adding that giving Filipino designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs a platform can encourage others to see the global possibilities of local talent.To those who have followed MELE + MARIE’s journey, she offers the same gratitude. “Our launch at Rustan’s is more than a milestone for our brand,” Rome says. “It is a celebration of what Filipino artistry, handmade excellence, and purposeful design can achieve around the world.”Ultimately, she hopes the objects MELE + MARIE creates become reminders of something larger than what someone chooses to wear or carry. “My hope is that every woman who carries a MELE + MARIE creation feels empowered to embrace her own story, pursue her purpose with courage, and wear beauty with meaning,” she says. “Because true luxury is not simply about what you carry, but rather, it’s about the story you carry, the lives you touch, and the legacy you leave behind.”For MELE + MARIE, that philosophy can be distilled into its own declaration: “We are MELE + MARIE. A global luxury house of wearable art, inspiring purposeful living through a lifestyle of fashion.”

Family is at the heart of MELE+MARIE. Creative Director Rome Oamil shares how her family's journey, faith, and shared sense of purpose have shaped the Filipino luxury brand and why this new chapter at Rustan's is as much about legacy as it is about fashion.

Family is at the heart of MELE+MARIE. Creative Director Rome Oamil shares how her family's journey, faith, and shared sense of purpose have shaped the Filipino luxury brand and why this new chapter at Rustan's is as much about legacy as it is about fashion.

From the global stage to Rustan's: MELE + MARIE comes home

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Health, Beauty, and Fashion

From the global stage to Rustan's: MELE + MARIE comes home

Mawi Fojas De Ocampo

Published August 10, 2026 09:31 AM PHT

Read More:

MELE + MARIE

Rustan's

Filipino Luxury Brand

Global Filipino Fashion Brand

Style

Fashion

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.