Maria Ellen introduces Philippine designer Jean Margaret Goulbourn

Designer Jean Margaret Goul­bourn is a household name in Philippine fashion. In the 80’s, she had a pret-a-porter line in the biggest retail chain all over the Philippines, ShoeMart Dept Store. Her fashion was worn by everyone as she had dresses for all occasions and for women of all ages.

Then in the 90s, she decided to put up her own weaving factory because she had a dream of developing a distinct global look for Philippine silk. She still continued to supply ShoeMart with her fashion but put up a new boutique, Silk Cocoon using fabrics from her factory. Three years ago, she decided to focus on Silk Cocoon and expand its operations internationally. Her pret-a­porter line in Shoe Mart had to close.

The textiles woven are made from natural silk often combined with indigenous materials such as abaca, (a type of hemp) and pineap­ple fiber which come from the leaves of the pineapple. She used these fabrics for her haute couture line as well as for the Filipino Barong for men ( a formal shirt that is made from pineapple silk ). The abaca silk are also used for curtains, lamp shades, pillow covers, and bed covers.

Silk Cocoon boutique has a reputation of offering anything from the formal hand­woven gowns of women to the formal Barongs for men. During the APEC and Cocoon dressed up the world leaders in pine­apple silk Barongs. Prince Albert of Monaco also loved wearing Silk Cocoon’s formal Phil­ippine Barongs.

Cocoon dressed up the world leaders in pineapple silk Barongs. Prince Albert of Monaco also loved wearing Silk Cocoon’s formal Philippine Barongs.

The Textile showroom retails textiles for ho­tels and boutiques as well as residential hous­es. On the international scene, the fabrics are primarily exported to Europe and Asia, to distributors, showrooms and renowned architects/ interior designers for both the residential and resort projects, and bou­tiques of fashion designers like Chanel, Christian Lacroix and Nina Ricci.

Goulbourn’s creative energy keeps her imagination and beautiful de­signs in prolific abundance and her exclusive clientele can’t get enough of them.

Silk Cocoon is  located in  Renaissance  Hotel, in front of Green Belt 3, Makati  City.  Ms.  Goulbourn’s  accepts  orders  for cocktail dresses,  long gowns, wedding gowns, men’s shirts both casual and formal Filipino Barong. The gowns on these pages were  shown  on  her last fashion show.