Lilian Bermudez Bridal and Formal is marking its 25th anniversary with an event that celebrates Filipino culture, creativity and community. Reflecting on her journey, Lilian shares that this milestone is a reminder of when she started her business, her achievements and her goals. “Rewarding myself to success is kind of emotional,” she shared in an interview with The Philippine Times.
Over the past 25 years, Lilian has built a legacy defined by memorable moments. From showcasing her skills through charity work for the Philippine community to watching brides walk down the aisle in her creations, each experience has been unforgettable.
“To watch the bride walking [down] the aisle wearing my wedding gown creation [brings] me into tears,” she says.
Her designs are deeply inspired by her Filipino heritage and her mother, who instilled in her a love for sewing at a young age. “The evolution of Filipino culture is very important to me. My mum will make my outfits by hand stitching every piece of the garment for me to wear on my school cultural activities. She never stopped teaching me how to sew every time she visited Australia. Then I started making dresses for my two girls as a hobby, and finishing up as a fashion designer and a businesswoman encouraged me to open up a small business 25 years ago.”
To ensure her designs remain innovative while staying true to her roots, Lilian travels to the Philippines twice a year to source unique fabrics like embroidered lace, piña organza and abaca. Her commitment to honouring Filipino culture shines in every piece.
Collaborating with other designers has also enriched Lilian’s career. In her words, it is “creating professional development opportunities and individual recognition through fashion”.
The 25th anniversary celebration promises an unforgettable evening. Themed “Latin Night Dinner and Dance,” the event will feature a glamorous hair and beauty expo, a silent auction and a photo booth with traditional Filipino costumes. The highlight? A showcase of Lilian’s latest Latin Summer Collection, bridal gowns and Filipiniana creations, accompanied by vibrant Latin dance performances. Joining the celebration as models are Jacqueline Mangubat, Ivy Aledasor, Katherina Smith Williams, Myan Hernandez, Jasmine Nicolas, Shauri Livori, Natalie Rich, Jesce Dela Cruz, Ankith Aryan and Anthon Suringa. There is also a very special guest appearance of Miss Earth 2024 Jessica Lane.
Looking to the future, Lilian is adding a focus on her philanthropic work, including her new project, “Adopt Mother & Child,” in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office in Bago City, Negros Occidental. She also plans to continue her sewing classes, empowering the next generation of designers.
Lilian credits her success to her loyal supporters, friends and customers. “I would not be able to succeed without your help and support through the years of my career. I thank you all,” she acknowledged. Her message to aspiring designers is simple yet powerful: “Embrace our culture through fashion, be open to new experiences, believe in yourself and focus on what you want to achieve in life!”
