Born on October 15, 1890, in Cavite, Nyora Tinang, as she was affectionately known, displayed an early aptitude for fashion. She honed her skills by pursuing dressmaking degrees at institutions like Maffei Academia de Artes del Hogar in Manila and Instituto Artistico Social in Madrid, Spain. She furthered her education at the Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Nyora Tinang married Eugenio Stuart, a prominent figure in the Nacionalista party and a close associate of President Manuel L. Quezon. The couple had five children, Pacifico, Josefina, Bernardo, Jose, and an adopted daughter, Gloria Joselin.
In 1937, Nyora Tinang established the Stuart Fashion Academy in San Roque, Cavite, driven by her feminist beliefs that women should not solely anticipate their wedding day but also possess skills in dressmaking, attire selection, and etiquette for various occasions. She aspired for her students to contribute to the fashion industry's growth in the Philippines.
She emphasized the importance of clothing in one's success and happiness, advocating that attire should enhance a woman's beauty while minimizing flaws. In May 1938, the Department of Public Instruction approved the Stuart Fashion Academy to offer diploma courses in dressmaking, millinery, and painting.
The academy's reach extended beyond Cavite, attracting students from various provinces and even foreigners who appreciated traditional Filipino attire. A dormitory was available for out-of-town students for P20.00 a month. The academy also offered courses in tailoring for men, fabric painting, machine embroidery, cooking, and interior decorating.
During her peak as a couturier, Nyora Tinang dressed notable women in Manila, including Corazon Noble, an actress from Sampaguita Pictures, and Herminia Cajulis, who won the title of Ms. Mindanao in the 1939 Manila Carnival. The Stuart Fashion Academy earned a reputation as the province's premier fashion school.
Nyora Tinang also authored books like "Easy Steps in Dressmaking" and "Fashion Philippines," making significant contributions to fashion education in the Philippines. She passed away on September 06, 1986, at the age of 96.
Content source and photos : Historia Caviteña
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