Grace Brucal brings Filipino heritage to NYFW runway

By Catherine Espejo

Participating in New York Fashion Week (NYFW)—one of the world’s most prestigious fashion events—was more than just a career milestone for Grace Brucal. It was a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and community.

Brucal  grew up in Matacon, Polangui, Albay, a small town in the Philippines that deeply influenced her love for fashion. She credits her mother Cristeta as her earliest inspiration, recalling how she used to watch her skillfully style outfits and sew garments with care and creativity.

“I always wanted unique dresses, so I’d buy fabrics and tell the sewers exactly what I wanted,” she told The FilAm. “Another big inspiration came in 2019, when my daughter was invited to model in New York.”

She is married to a deacon, Ej Brucal, a doctor of physical therapy. They have three children Kristine, Ethan and Kaitlyn.

Today, Brucal (she uses the name Steadfast for her design collection) works closely with a team of co-designers and a rotating cast of 10 to 20 runway models to bring her creative vision to life. Her collections range from formal gowns and casual wear to wedding dresses and children’s clothing. She also designs accessories and shoes using sustainable materials like abaca fabric.

Her signature pieces, however, are the modern Filipiniana boleros and Barongs. These intricately designed garments pay tribute to her roots, particularly in the Bicol region.

“There’s a growing demand for the Bolero Barong, which I make using Pinukpok abaca,” she explained. “By using this fabric, I’m supporting weavers from Bicol who were displaced by the Mayon volcano eruption. It’s also a way to provide work for dressmakers and beaders, helping families sustain their livelihood.”

Brucal’s path to NYFW was shaped by multiple influences. She was inspired in 2015 by Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s collaborations with Filipino designers in New York. Then in 2019, her daughter—after winning the title of Little Miss West Virginia Earth—was invited to model at NYFW.  In 2022, Brucal launched her own Steadfast label brand.

Outside of fashion, she wears many hats. She’s a physical therapist, an autism specialist, and a modern-day CEO—all while raising a family. When asked how she balances it all, she replied with calm confidence:

“Time management. I control my schedule and plan ahead. I make sure my shows don’t interfere with work or my kids’ activities.”

Like many in the industry, she faces challenges—often overwhelming ones—but has learned to adapt with steady confidence. 

“I’m still learning,” she said. “I have to study and manage people back in the Philippines. This wasn’t something I planned—it felt more like a calling to help sustain livelihoods in my hometown.”

Beyond NYFW, Brucal has had many career highlights, including meeting two Miss Universe winners and building connections across the global fashion community. Her greatest joy, she said, is using her platform to uplift others.

“I want to help aspiring models build their confidence while continuing to support the people back home,” she said. “That’s what drives me.”