Moms and Dads

Carin and Mark Aguas: Fashion Is A Family Virtue

by Kevyn Gohu
January 7, 2025

Masanting Sastreria’s and Studio Sampaguita’s Carin and Mark Aguas share how fashion brings generations of their family – young and old – together

“Dressing well is a form of good manners” – the philosophy of highly-esteemed fashion designer Tom Ford still rings true today, especially for fashion designer parents Carin and Mark Aguas.

Sure, their exposure to fashion was different, but there is no denying how deeply rooted it is in their identity. The vibrant colors, bold prints, and her mother’s and grandmother’s confidence in their styling deeply inspired Carin, shaping her current approach to fashion. They were incredibly graceful and fearless in mixing and matching things, she lauds.

For Mark, his dedication to the art of the dress is something deeply rooted in Kapampangan culture. “Growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of the ‘Sunday best’—dressing thoughtfully for special occasions, like attending mass, as a way to show reverence and care. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about recognizing the significance of time and the moments we share with others.”

Their upbringing then would serve as a foundation for their passion for fashion and life. Be it for Masanting Sastreria, Studio Sampaguita, or their family of four.

Flourishing in Fashion

Although every creative pursuit—art, music, or fashion—will have its differences, Carin and Mark’s distinct preferences breathe life into their pieces for both Masanting Sastreria and Studio Sampaguita. Carin’s love for bold textures, minimalist silhouettes, dramatic cuts, and solid statement colors may appear to contrast with Mark’s preference for timeless colors and cuts, but they both have their place in their fashion lines. It’s all about finding the balance in the opposites, Carin points out.

She elaborates, “Mark has a grounding influence on me. Whenever our design ideas or philosophies seem to conflict, he always brings me back to the essentials—timeless classics and distinct details that never go out of style. His focus on high-quality and well-crafted pieces would always remind me of what’s important—creating something that would withstand the test of time. The balance keeps us aligned to what truly matters: excellence and authenticity.”

A story styled in stitches

While appreciating fashion may appear superficial to many, it runs deeper for Mark and Carin. Sure, some designs seem to repeat however, it’s the deeply personal and purposeful approach to refinement and tailoring that transforms each piece into a masterpiece that tells a story. But the story Carin and Mark want to tell, via Masanting Sastreria’s suits, are the lives and experiences of Filipino craftsmen and artisans who have mastered time-honored techniques. They’re the “pride of Filipino artistry” as Carin calls it.

“We are committed to elevating Filipino craftsmanship on a global stage. By investing in the lives and growth of our tailors, we aim to redefine the global standards of luxury tailoring while uplifting our community,” she adds.

Thus, their signature Filipino Housecut for suits was born. Besides being practical for the tropical climate, it celebrates Filipino craftsmen and their dedication. But wearing bespoke suits, whether transcending trends and time by enrobing oneself in a classic design or emboldening oneself in a fashion statement, is something Carin likens to “stepping into a piece of art” that showcases their “fullest expression.” But it’s still a collaborative effort, she adds.

“A suit — at least for us here in Masanting Sastreria — should empower its wearer to feel their most confident and authentic self,” she elaborates. “It’s why we’re very hands-on with our clients. We want to create pieces that enhance their confidence, celebrate their success, and tell their unique story.”

Mark adds, “Every suit created by our clothier is an intentional and harmonious blend of personalization, artistry, and intentionality while remaining deeply rooted in our core values: quality in all things, gracious hospitality, celebrating Filipino craft, and empowering expression. After all, it’s in the name Masanting — which is a homage to my Kapampangan roots, meaning “handsome” or “beautiful.”

Honoring the past, embracing the present and future

Even their casual or everyday wear line, Studio Sampaguita, reflects the same principles as it draws inspiration from designs born in the 1920s and 1950s. Although housing more laidback designs under this particular fashion line, Carin and Mark create a creative and artistic space where “heritage and craftsmanship come together.” Similar to its sibling luxury bespoke menswear brand, Studio Sampaguita, is also a nod to the couple’s heritage and deep respect for their home culture and the national flower.

“Purity, simplicity, and elegance — these are the virtues from the flower itself that we want Studio Sampaguita to convey. Those who wear Studio Sampaguita look for a balance between refinement and relaxation but at the same time, look for quality, comfort, and cultural significance,” Carin shares.

“Whether they’re working from home, enjoying a casual outing, or attending a more laid-back event, they appreciate the blend of classic tailoring and modern versatility that Studio Sampaguita offers. The wearer is someone who celebrates their individuality and embraces the fusion of local and global influences in fashion,” Mark adds.

Explaining work to the kids

While fashion knows no sleep, neither does raising a family! But fashion as a career, Carin and Mark, agree are what allow them to spend time with their kids. As parents to two, Felipe and Ellie, fashion — just like how it played a big role in their upbringing — has become a part of their kids’ lives. It may be tempting and easier to just ramble about clothes, cuts, and every fashion jargon but, Mark and Carin insist on emphasizing that fashion is not just styles but a culture.

“It’s much more than just clothes,” Mark points out. “It’s a vibrant, creative community where people express themselves and tell stories through what they wear. It’s also a process that involves so many talented individuals, from designers and artisans to manufacturers and retailers. I’d encourage them to respect and appreciate everyone’s role in bringing fashion to life.”

“I’d also emphasize the importance of being mindful about sustainability — learning to value
quality over quantity, reducing waste, and making choices that are kinder to the environment.
And most importantly, I’d tell them that fashion is about exploring who they are, dressing up in
ways that make them feel confident and authentic, and having fun with it. It’s a beautiful way to
connect with the world and express their individuality,” Carin adds.

The Colors of The Aguas Home: Connection, Creativity, & Love

Similar to the fashion industry, life is never dull at the Aguas home, according to Carin and Mark. With the dynamic duo offering each and together their brand of energy and joy, there’s a lot of inspiration to be found for the fashion designer parents. Whether it’s through their son’s, Felipe’s, thoughtful projects, or their daughter’s, Ellie’s, vibrant personality, their home is a haven filled with “creativity, candid conversations, and a lot of love.”

While both kids share a passion for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, their creative expressions differ. Felipe prefers being hands-on with his creations — be it building, painting, or coming up with innovative ideas. Mark praises. “He’s not afraid of bold colors and often surprises us with his fearless choices, whether it’s in art or life. He’s also very intellectual and has a passion for sustainability. It’s so heartwarming and inspiring to hear him always talking about ways to care for the planet.”

On the other hand, Ellie is what Carin calls “quite the firecracker.” Confident, outspoken, and doesn’t shy away from standing up for her beliefs, she’s someone who’s deeply passionate beneath her tough exterior. “She also has her own unique style and loves dressing in gender-neutral outfits — if it were entirely up to her, she’d probably live in oversized pants, a blue print shirt, and neon-colored shoes,” laughs Carin, “Dresses only make the cut because I nudge her into them (with a playful eye roll from her, of course)!”

But how does creativity thrive when there’s no connection? It’s why Carin and Mark push for traveling and experiencing together as a family. Creative inspiration, especially for them, can come from the many little moments in their life together as a family. Whether they’re at home with books to read or movies and musicals on the watchlist, traveling to experience various artistic exhibits, or experiencing various cultures and cuisines together as a family, every moment will eventually have the family coming together — sketching away and discussing designs.

Connecting in the era of technology

Yet, these little moments can sometimes be interrupted by the magical window of light known as the gadget screen. It may be a struggle for some parents but Carin and Mark share that they see the presence of gadgets in their family’s life as an opportunity for growth rather than a challenge. Instead of banning or strictly limiting technology, they focus on guiding Felipe and Ellie to use it in positive and meaningful ways. “We want our kids to have the freedom to explore and learn from the offline world while carefully preparing them to navigate the online one with intention and responsibility,” explains Carin.

Their insights, according to them, come from Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. “Because of how quickly technology got integrated into kids’ lives, it’s become a contributor to many mental health issues,” recalls Mark. “While we can’t completely stop technology, we want to strike a balance wherein our kids will have some unsupervised outdoor play and real-world interactions. That way, they can navigate the digital age without compromising their mental health.”

Fashion as a Family Virtue

Besides technology, one of the challenges many parents face is understanding today’s fashion. Cuts change, hems get shorter, pants legs become more loose fitting — all these can be overwhelming for any parent who has their standard of what is considered fashionable or aesthetically pleasing. However, fashion is a big part of their identity — something Carin emphasizes especially when she and her daughter, Ellie, have differing opinions on fashion and that the latter has her “unique style.” It’s always interesting to hear how she feels about new fashion styles—she’s very expressive and confident in voicing her opinions, she shares.

“Ellie is incredibly tuned in to the latest trends in fashion, and I love that about her. Whenever I
come across new styles or trends, I make it a point to share them with her,” Carin adds. “If she gravitates toward something I might not initially agree with, I take a step back and try to understand what draws her to it. It helps us find a middle ground, where her self-expression is honored, and my guidance as a mom comes into play. It’s all about creating space for her individuality while teaching her to be mindful and thoughtful about her choices.”

While it expresses personality and uniqueness, fashion, for Mark, is also a non-verbal mark of respect towards oneself and honor towards the community. He explains, “Whether it’s a casual day out, a family dinner, or meeting new people, how we present ourselves is a reflection of the value we place on those experiences. By dressing with intention, we show gratitude for the time we’ve been given and demonstrate to others that we appreciate the connection and meaning each moment holds.”

A Parent’s Guide To Sunday’s Best, Whenever or Wherever

With fashion — be it sense or the industry — being more scrutinized, it can feel like an extra mental load on a parent who’s just trying to make it through the day. But Carin and Mark reveal that the first step to finding one’s “Sunday’s Best” lies in the intention.

“Think about why you’re dressing up for a particular occasion—what message do you want to convey or how do you want to express yourself?” Mark starts.

Carin adds, “Dressing well is an act of self-care, a way to honor both yourself and the moment. Start by focusing on pieces that fit you beautifully and feel good to wear, as confidence always begins with comfort. From there, allow your style to evolve naturally, adding subtle details or standout accessories that speak to your personality. Over time, you’ll find that dressing up becomes second nature—a graceful balance of craftsmanship, self-expression, and quiet confidence that resonates with those around you.”

While it may feel a little strange to dress a little “extra” or stylish as a parent, fashion is also a way to communicate. Not just to others but to ourselves. Nothing’s better than a look that tells a parent everytime they look in the mirror that they look great!