MARICAR TUAZON

The burst of creativity did not, however, come as a complete surprise. Maricar Tuazon has been sketching since the age of 4. Coming from a family with a rich history in the arts, she actually took an unexpected turn by pursuing Business Degree instead of her initial course of interest, Fashion Design, during her university days. Although she strayed academically, her love for fashion remained. For her, it was never about runway shows or glamour - it was and continues to be about a feeling, an energy, a mode of expression.

After years of working in retail for a number of international brands, she left her post as Ralph Lauren's Merchandise Manager in order to pursue a lifelong passion for design in 2015. In 2016, She co-founded La Tou Tou a creative hub for Asian designers who value the beauty and sustainability. La Tou Tou hosts and peddles ethically produced items that empower communities of women by providing a source of livelihood. Part business and part charity. La Tou Tou has given back to the Filipino community by funding a foundation for homeless children through its profits. The brand's generosity stems from Maricar's own personal philosophy. "You need to have a purpose - from doing a small project to starting your own business - share your talent and give back."

For years, family, friends and peers applauded Tuazon's work with La Tou Tou but urged her to create her own line as well thanks to promising sketches lay here and there. One day it all clicked and Tuazon decided to create a handbag brand of her own: MARICAR TUAZON. "I woke up one day and thought I think its time to put my ideas and concepts into reality" She decided to create with timeliness as the main intention. "I based my design visualizing the spirit and the mood of a woman who has a distinct sense of freedom". Maricar Tuazon, the brand namesake, explains. This first collection has a diverse set of pieces -- from the head-turning Aliz to the subtle yet striking Mophia--in order to cater to women of different tastes and and of different lifestyles. The brand aims to speak to women with a clear sense of personal style and identity. It's all about juxtaposition and balance--about keeping things interesting without straying too far from fundamentals.

Tuazon currently resides in Los Angeles. She is constantly inspired by sprawling nature, blossoming diversity and passing strangers.