Our Story

Risqué started in 2012 as a retail company that showcases Filipino craftsmanship and culture through unique shoe designs and materials. At that time, the use of local materials such as woven textiles for fashion items did not have the same kind of acceptance and support that it does now. Tal de Guzman, Risqué's founder & CEO, created designs that featured Filipino elements and incorporated the skills of Filipino artisans such as weavers, carvers and shoemakers.

Risqué's humble beginnings included selling and showcasing shoes from the back of a car to joining countless events as a one-woman-team. In 2014, Risqué's team was slowly being formed and was able to launch its own showroom.

With the main goal to impact more lives, Risqué opened its own manufacturing facility in 2015 and worked towards becoming a social enterprise. The company vowed to operate differently from most local shoe manufacturing companies. Instead of a piece-rate compensation system that is currently still being practiced, Risqué pays on a daily rate and provides benefits to its workers. When the manufacturing facility was opened to start-up shoe brands, Risqué wanted to make sure that the clients they were working with also believed in the same values of transparency and respect. All partner brands of Risqué are welcome to visit the manufacturing facility, talk to the shoemakers and can choose to become part of the Stride Collective community.

Find some articles on Risqué, Tal & Stride here:

Ava.ph - A day in the life of Tal de Guzman

Spot.ph - How Stride Collective is changing the game for the local shoe industry

Inquirer.net - The shoe fits for this young woman

Rappler - Risque Designs: Telling the Filipino story one shoe at a time

Preview - Stride Collective houses Marikina-made shoes

Gouache - Artist feature: Tal de Guzman

Mc.edu - A conversation with Filipino shoepreneur Tal de Guzman

Soulflower - Stride Collective: Empowering local entrepreneurs and artisans

Female Network - 7 Women bosses who will inspire you to succeed

Find some videos here:

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