Gikan

ANGELLI GARCIA, FOUNDER OF GIKAN (PICTURED ABOVE) MODELLING THE Cavite Top and Bottom Set.

IT’S NOT ABOUT WHERE YOUR DEGREE IS GOING TO TAKE YOU, BUT WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE YOUR DEGREE.

Angelli Garcia, the founder of Edmonton-based brand Gikan shared her mantra with us earlier on in the month of August. A Human Ecology graduate with a degree in Clothing, Textiles and Material Culture, Angelli knew she’d be pursuing a career in fashion from a young age.

In her earlier years, Angelli had faced hard times identifying with her culture. While she had always been familiar with her own roots and culture, she was alienated for embracing the parts of her that was unique. This has stayed with her and enriching her understanding and appreciation for culture has not only become a passion, but the fueled intentions behind Gikan. “The point is to not be ashamed to talk about your culture - I’m really trying to start a conversation and educate others and myself along the way.”

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At the age of five, Angelli was sewing clothes for her barbies, using (and almost breaking) her mother’s sewing machine – luckily the machine still works today! With relentless ambition and support from her parents, Angelli has always done her best to fully explore her talents and interests. From playing basketball, to working two jobs, to performing on five dance teams and maintaining decent marks, Angelli became familiar with the busy life of a self-starter back in high school: “I’ve always been an over-thinker, so it was only natural that I wanted to do everything.”

Angelli’s encounter with the fashion world took a significant pivot when she won the MyStyle WEM contest and was featured in the back to school catalogue her summer before attending university. “At the time, the stylist on the shoot was Marie Zydek, and I remember thinking ‘wow, her job is so cool,’ and how much I’d love to do that.”

Once in university, Angelli immersed herself in volunteering, working in the retail realm, and a commitment to networking and meeting new people. The volunteer work at fashion shows became a second nature and was a great help in breaking Angelli out of her shell. “Volunteering and networking was so important in getting me to where I am today, and I can’t stress this enough.”

Her later work with styling proves just that. While working at a part time retail job, Angelli met the person who would present her with her first experience styling with an agency. “They asked if I could cover for them on a shoot that upcoming weekend and said I could even use my own clothes for it. I said no multiple times – I had never done it before, and I thought there was no way I could do it. They kept asking and eventually I said yes, and [as you know] it’s something I still do today.” Angelli’s work with styling has only evolved since then, and she is now experienced in on-set shoots, pulling, wardrobe styling and putting full looks together.

Fast forward to today, and Angelli is operating as the Founder for all Gikan-related operations. “Everything happens at the right time. If you have a free minute, invest in yourself first. I was always okay spending $400 on other businesses, when I realized I could be investing that much in myself.” Now as a waste-conscious company, Angelli ensures Gikan releases smaller inventory runs to do their part in decreasing textile waste.

In addition, her interest cultural immersion only continues to grow, as she finds herself reading for leisure the related scholarly articles she was once forced to read during school. Gikan is all about bringing the Philippines abroad, and creating something that feels like home. Angelli hopes to visit the Philippines in the near future to immerse herself in the culture, personally meet suppliers and learn about the weaving community firsthand. Her ultimate vision for Gikan includes opening a store-front where other Filipino creators can come together to create a one-stop shopping experience. Set up like a museum, the hope would be to set up the store as a larger educational experience, with history lessons on walls and chances to learn and engage with the culture. Her ultimate mission is to reclaim the lost history and culture, preserve the language, and encourage other people to accept where they come from as well.

Officially live as of April 2020, Angelli founded Gikan with the inspiration to keep her Filipina roots alive, while encouraging others to celebrate and take pride in their diverse cultures. The style for the brand was inspired by the vibe of being on an island near a beach at sunset and can be seen in the sun’s rays on the official logo. ‘Gikan’ comes from the Bisaya word meaning “to come from”, only reaffirming their dedication to cultural identity.

To follow along with Gikan’s story and check out more of their pieces, follow them on Instagram @shop.gikan and Facebook @shop.gikan. Be sure to catch the full Gikan photoshoot over in our gallery.