The Art of the Capsule: Shar Cabigas Brings Contemporary Asian Design to Manila

Mompreneur Shar Cabigas shares her everyday wardrobe essentials and the vision behind Qurio’s Asian designer collective

There is an undeniable charm in finding a piece of clothing or an accessory that feels entirely your own. Beyond fads, thoughtfully designed wardrobe staples hold stories, carry memories, and often become cherished keepsakes handed down through generations.

Recognizing a shared appetite for distinctive, artisan-made pieces in Manila, entrepreneur and mother Shar Cabigas has unveiled Qurio, a multi-brand concept boutique located at Rockwell, Makati City. Born from years of wandering through Asia’s vibrant design hubs, Qurio is not just a shopping space—it is an intimate gallery celebrating the richness of independent Asian craftsmanship.

Shar Cabigas

A Curated Asian Discovery in Manila

For Shar—who is also the creative force behind jewelry brand Suki—travel has always been intertwined with discovery. Along the way, she found herself captivated by the stories woven into local ateliers across the region.

“There are so many incredible independent brands across Asia and locally, but they can be difficult to discover in one place,” Shar shares. “Qurio came from wanting to bring that sense of discovery to Manila.”

Rather than simply curating standalone items, Shar envisioned a harmonious design dialogue. “We made it a collective because that is the most exciting part for me: the conversation between different points of view. A top from Jaipur might complement trousers by a Filipino designer, paired with a bag from Bangkok and shoes from Jakarta. We wanted Qurio to feel like a place where you can come across something unexpected, but still feel that everything belongs together.”

Qurio opens its doors featuring 20 independent labels scouted across Bali, Bangkok, Jaipur, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, and Tokyo. While their origins span diverse aesthetic traditions, each maker shares an uncompromising commitment to slow craftsmanship, structural longevity, and intentional design.

“We look for designers with intention, whether that comes through in their craftsmanship, materials, story, or the way they make you see a familiar piece differently,” she notes. “It doesn’t have to be loud, but it has to make you feel something. It can be a beautiful everyday top with an unexpected detail, a bag made from thoughtful materials, or a dress you keep reaching for because it makes you feel like yourself, just a little more expressive.”

She adds: “We really try to choose pieces that have a longer life in someone’s wardrobe, pieces you can keep finding new ways to wear.”

Pieces from Qurio’s store

Dressing with Intention: A Mother’s Perspective

As a busy mother balancing meetings, design projects, and home life, Shar’s curation philosophy naturally reflects the modern woman’s everyday realities.

“My style is minimal, but with something unexpected. I love pieces that are comfortable and easy to move in, but still have character: an interesting cut, texture, color, or styling detail that makes an outfit feel considered,” she reflects.

“My days can go from school drop-offs and pick-ups to work meetings to dinner, so I appreciate clothes that work hard but still make me feel good and confident. I don’t think getting dressed has to mean choosing between practical and personal. You can be comfortable, present for your kids, and still wear something that feels like you.”

Shar designed a warm, welcoming space for Qurio where visitors are encouraged to slow down, explore tactile fabrics, and experiment with styling without urgency.

For fellow mothers looking to streamline their daily style without losing their creative spark, Shar points to five hard-working foundations: a crisp silk button-down, tailored trousers, an easy midi skirt, comfortable leather flats or low heels, and a versatile jacket. From there, she suggests letting individuality take the lead.

“I’d add one or two pieces that feel a little more like you: an interesting bag, a great pair of earrings, a sculptural belt, or a colorful shoe. Those are the pieces that make getting dressed fun again. The goal is not a complicated wardrobe, just one that makes your everyday life feel a little more special.”

Martha wears ISA BOULDER dress,
GLORIAE heels, and PIPATCHARA bag
Eugene wears BOB’S YOUR UNCLE
jacket and shirt, HOSU.ATPD pants, and
SAJA shoes
Lake wears ISA BOULDER bandeau,
ANW cropped top, SEIRE trousers,
GLORIAE heels, and OABO bag

Pieces That Stay With You

Drawing from her background in jewelry making, Shar approaches apparel as an emotional investment rather than a disposable purchase.

“Jewelry is so personal. It holds memories, gets worn repeatedly, and often becomes something you reach for without thinking. I hope people feel that same connection at Qurio,” she explains.

“I want someone to leave with something they love, but more than that, I want them to leave inspired. Maybe they find a piece they wear on repeat, discover a new designer, or simply see a new way to style something already in their closet. The best purchases are the ones that feel personal and stay with you.”

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