Miami-based Filipina designer Merlie Dobrow will unveil her latest collection at Manila International Fashion Week. For the founder and creative director of Menecia Design Miami, the event marks her debut on the Philippine fashion scene.
Dobrow has always been passionate about the dressmaking process. Growing up in General Santos, she watched her mother and grandmother run a small dressmaking business from their home. Their main clients were students who needed school uniforms. Dobrow joked that her only contribution to the enterprise was helping her grandmother thread needles because she could no longer see clearly.
Having been exposed to the craft of transforming fabric into quality clothing, Dobrow was particularly drawn to the attention to detail behind each piece. Her grandmother paid close attention to every stitch, ensuring it complemented the fabric’s structure. As a result, the uniforms were durable enough to be worn for years and even passed down to younger siblings.
Dobrow carried those lessons with her when she attended THOS Fashion School of Design in Florida.
“When we moved to the U.S., I had a hard time buying clothes because of the difference in sizes. They were too big for me, so I always had to look for extra-small sizes,” she said.
She decided to focus on fashion design because it was something close to her heart.
“It’s hard work, very competitive and very challenging, but I know I will enjoy doing it,” she said.
Menecia Design Miami is a luxury fashion brand known for its custom-made, limited-edition pieces. Its evening gowns debuted at Milan Fashion Week in February.
Celebrating the uniqueness of the female form, Dobrow enhances classic silhouettes with refined details that convey timeless elegance.
“Even if you are on the heavier side, I can make you look sexy and curvy,” she said.
The brand is best known for evening wear and long dresses designed for the spring and summer seasons.
The designer is especially excited about her Philippine debut at Manila International Fashion Week, scheduled for June 12 at the grand ballroom of Okada Manila.
Founded by Bench Bello, Manila International Fashion Week (MIFW) is an annual event that showcases the latest collections from local and international designers. It serves as a platform for creativity, innovation and industry collaboration.
Dobrow is looking forward to creating evening gowns and formal wear for Manila’s fashion-conscious clientele in the near future.
