At just 23, fashion designer Odile Pauline Roxas is redefining the industry by promoting individuality, creativity, and collaboration among women.
Fashion, often characterized as a fleeting display of trends, has found a profound voice through the creativity of 23-year-old Odile Pauline Roxas, a fashion executive designer and content creator. Known online as Odile Pauline, Roxas has carved a distinct niche where fashion serves as a manifesto of identity and empowerment. Her work embodies a narrative that both romanticizes life and reclaims personal power.
Roxas’ journey into the fashion world began during her childhood, inspired by her grandmother’s collection of antique scarves. She recalls, “My relationship with fashion started with my lola’s collection of antique scarves. I would wrap them around myself to create little dresses and sarees. That was my first torrid affair with fashion.” This early exploration of style blossomed into a career characterized by determination, creativity, and self-discovery.
Through her designs and content creation, Roxas aims to inspire joy and individuality, especially during a time when many feel overwhelmed by the mundanity of everyday life. “I hope my designs and content empower people to love living again,” she stated, highlighting her desire to shift perspectives. She asserts the need to recognize the beauty in life, suggesting that societal cynicism can hinder individual creativity.
Roxas’ path to self-confidence encountered obstacles typical of many young women, including issues of self-doubt and adverse relationships. The COVID-19 pandemic provided her with a crucial opportunity for introspection, leading her to sever ties with those who didn’t support her journey. “I realized certain people were holding me back… cutting them off helped me find myself,” she explained, reflecting on how this clarity impacted her wellness and self-perception.
Her professional ethos centers on encouraging women to embrace their uniqueness and express themselves without fear of judgment. “Try not to consume too much of everything…when you’re always consuming other people’s content, you don’t have that extra room to explore your style,” she advised, promoting originality over conformity.
Roxas also addresses the competitive nature of the fashion industry, particularly as a young Filipina. She acknowledges the existence of biases but actively chooses to foster collaboration over comparison. “Women get compared to each other so often, whether it’s their skills or their physical appearance. But at the end of the day, you’re just competing with yourself,” she asserted. This perspective aligns with her belief in lifting others as she navigates her career, especially poignant during National Women’s Month.
In her approach to sustainability, Roxas reflects on her evolution from thrifted fashion to finding a sustainable path within collaborations. “I realized it was better to stay true to what worked for me rather than following every trend,” she commented on her decision to emphasize creativity while practicing conscious consumption. She encourages her audience to see clothing not merely for what it is but for what it could be, echoing the notion that beauty in fashion does not necessitate wastefulness.
March holds significant meaning for Roxas, as it is not only National Women’s Month but also her birthday. During this time, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of women who have inspired her. “I think it’s important to celebrate and to thank the women who have inspired you in this month,” she said, reflecting on her personal connections, including her grandmother and mother, who played pivotal roles in her journey.
Roxas aspires to leave a legacy of versatility, encouraging herself and others to be bold and unapologetic in their pursuits. “I want to be remembered for being iconic… I want to be my own muse,” she stated confidently. Drawing from her background in ballet, she recognizes the value in knowing when to take a step back, allowing for collective voices to be heard. She likens this to being a swan — gliding gracefully while paddling strongly beneath the surface.
Odile Pauline Roxas continues to redefine what it means to succeed in the fashion industry, turning it into a vehicle for empowerment and self-expression. Through her innovative designs and community-oriented mindset, she inspires others to wear their stories with pride, urging a celebration of individuality and strength in the art of fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
