Gayle Ocampo

Even when she was younger, Gayle Ocampo already showed interest in design. Having grown up in a multi-cultural environment she was exposed to people of different nationalities and it's these experiences that influence her work in design. With her growing body of work in product styling, food styling and interior concepts, Gayle's style is a combination of sophistication and classic design with the occasional quirky piece, which is clearly a reflection of her personality. Gayle's modern-glam approach is tuned in with today's design aesthetic and it's no coincidence that her talents are often utilize by stylish companies such as H&M home, SMDC, Rockwell Primaries as well as prominent figures and local celebrities alike. We speak to Gayle about her interesting background growing up, her design philosophy and her tips for decorating your own space.

Photo taken by Jamie Espadilla-Mapagu

Make up by Jerome Bustamante of Bobbi Brown

Shoot location at Mos Design

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to be what you are today?

I grew up in Qatar for the most part of grade school until high school. I came back to the Philippines for college. But it was really being immersed with different nationalities that came from diverse backgrounds and cultures that helped me develop my personality because I was such a shy type growing up. Imagine being one of the few Filipino students in a British school, it was quite intimidating at first because I couldn’t speak English as well as them. I think the British curriculum called General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) really helped me shape my interests for what I’m pursuing now. We get to take 4 major subjects that we wanted to focus on in Year 9 and I chose Design, Technology, Art, Business Studies and French. That’s where I really got involved in learning the basics from conceptualizing and presenting designs, how to work with machines, sanding and painting, and the basics of running a business. Living abroad taught me how to be independent, outspoken and become a forward thinker. Traveling and seeing the different architectures and interiors inspired me to say to myself “I want to do that one day.” I knew that I wanted to focus on styling, design and to start a business that ties all of that together. I decided to take up Interior design in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in consortium with Philippine School of Interior Design. Then I worked at Condo Living magazine for four years. I wanted to hone my styling skill which was perfect because I had the freedom to work with different design styles and stores that the target market needed. Apart from styling interior spaces, I was also able to focus on styling food and events. I learned a lot from talented people in the business, and I think that’s what inspired me to start my own brand and business.

How do you typically start your day?

I wake up at around 7:30am to have breakfast. I have to jumpstart my day with coffee because I’m really not a morning person. I check my emails and Viber over breakfast then I head out at around 9am.