Josip Tumapa in a gold silk top with statement earrings, smiling

Who I Am

My name is Josip Tumapa. I am a fashion designer working with individual commissions: Barong Tagalog, men’s suits, wedding dresses, Filipiniana dresses, evening, and stage garments.
Each design is developed personally, without templates or mass-produced solutions. My work is focused on custom and made-to-order projects.

The website also features a small ready-to-wear section. These are limited-edition pieces created based on previously developed design solutions. The main focus remains on individual work.

How It Began

My interest in design started in childhood. Early projects included clothing for toys and silhouette sketches.
Over time, this developed into real garments — first for myself, then for friends and acquaintances. Practice became consistent, and individual commissions became a conscious direction.

From the beginning, design was connected not only to sketches but also to garment making. I am personally involved in the creation of garments and train my team in tailoring, working with them directly rather than only at the sketch level.

Design Approach

Each project begins with a specific request: the occasion the garment is created for, the context in which it will be worn, and the proportions and construction that suit the individual.

Working Format

Clients work directly with me — from the initial discussion to final design approval.
Each garment is created as a separate project with a clear and structured process.

My practice also includes projects for theaters and stage environments, including costume and uniform development, where comfort, movement, and real-world functionality are essential.

What Clients Receive

Each order — whether a Barong Tagalog, a men’s suit, a wedding dress, a Filipiniana dress, or another custom project — is developed individually and never repeated.
The work is based on dialogue and a clear understanding of the client’s needs.

Individual commissions are accepted through the website for both local and international clients.