Woven wanderlust

Arleen Sipat-Sutton's Azucar returns to its roots in style with threads sourced across continents and silhouettes shaped by Filipino craftsmanship

- JANE KINGSU-CHENG

"This is where it all began for me," reflects fashion designer Arleen Sipat-Sutton as she reminisces about Azucar's return to Power Plant Mall in Makati City.

"When popups were still referred to as bazaars, this was the first mall that provided me with a space to showcase my brand."

Fifteen years later, Arleen launches a two-month popup at the R2 level of the mall, running until Sept. 30, 2025. This is more than just a retail space-it's a homecoming for the designer to reconnect with the discerning crowd.

Style evolution

Founded in 2010, Azucar began as a rebranding of Arleen's original resort wear label, Salsatrends. Its current signature styles showcase elegant ready-to-wear (RTW) pieces for special occasions, as well as a resort collection that's designed for leisure and travel. Each piece delivers a sophisticated aesthetic and flattering silhouettes.

"Each Azucar piece is thoughtfully produced with exemplary Filipino craftsmanship, from fabric selection to finishing. It's always about infusing luxurious femininity with everyday wearability," she expounds.

Chic wanderlust