Meet Eleonore Frank | Creator & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eleonore Frank and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eleonore, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I would have never started my own business if I didn’t think I was adding something unique to the conversation. My journey into creating Filipiniana began as a customer, and what I found available online simply did not fit my sense of style. I knew that I could contribute to the world of Filipiniana by offering pieces that spoke the current fashion climate, through cut, fabric and style I wanted to make Filipiniana that worked with a woman’s wardrobe, rather than just being a piece she threw on in addition to it. I knew I could sew, I knew I could make beautiful garments, so I knew this is what I wanted to do. I love that I run a fashion business that is not just fashion it is culture, they aren’t just clothes, they are created with meaning.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart is my vision for modern filipiniana. I want to make filipiniana desirable again for young generations of Filipina women to connect with their culture through easy to wear, modern and chic styles. I want women to chose filipiniana without having to sacrifice their style. I feel like when women think of Filipiniana they think of something that is old fashioned, and does not necessarily speak to them. I want women to see my pieces and realize that they can incorporate culture through effortless and timeless fashion, and not just for an occasion that is “filipiniana themed.” I love a subtle or not so subtle nod to culture, but it doesn’t make sense if the garments are not beautiful, well made and speak to the fashion of the day.

I am most proud of the fact that I own a business that connects with people in such a meaningful way. My favorite comment from customers is “Thank you for doing this.” This reminds me of the need to fill this space with well though out products that respect our history while paving a path for the the future of Filipiniana.

No day has been easy although I love what I do. Even when I was working as a designer in New York, on the side I would be sketching designs for myself to make over the weekend. Sewing and design is such a big part of my life, which makes this job a dream come true. But I am also a mom, and a business in it’s infancy and two children barely out of toddlerhood make each day that much more challenging. I get through each day through prayer and leaning on the Lord. That isn’t a popular response, but it’s the truth. My day is made much lighter because I have strength through Christ and without Him I couldn’t get through the hurdles and days of doubt of which there are many.

I’ve learned that accountability is the most important thing for a business. Accountability to your timelines, your product, your customers, to yourself and your family.

I want people to know that this isn’t about me. It’s actually inspired by my grandma who comes from La Union, Philippines, hence the name La Union Filipiniana. She came here to the US and opened up her own dressmaking shop in National City, California. It was her dream to share her craft with her community. Whether she felt she fulfilled that dream or not, I’ll never know because she passed away when I was 15. But this is my way to giving her dream another shot, through my work, I carry on her legacy of seam stressing and making beautiful clothes for people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a boring answer, but I don’t really know where I would take a friend. I am a 36 year old whose life right now consists of sewing and bringing her kids to places where they can run and jump around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Two people. My cousin Jennifer, who had the idea of creating custom Communion Dress for her daughter that incorporated the filipino butterfly sleeve. This garment ended up being the first terno I ever created, and was the jumping off point for my brand. The Second is my husband, without whose love and support and unconditional confidence in me gave me the faith that I could indeed turn this dream into a reality.

Website: https://www.shoplaunion.com

Instagram: launionfilipiniana

Image Credits
Brian Frank (Frank Ideas)