Our Story

Traveling Black Dress was founded by Myra Borja.

I didn’t set out to create a fashion brand. I set out to solve something that never felt right.

I was born in Manila and moved to the United States at six, raised between cultures and environments that shaped how I see the world—and how I express myself through clothing. I never dressed to follow trends. I dressed based on how something made me feel.

That instinct stayed with me.

Over time, I moved through different cities—Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco—before settling in Los Angeles in 2017. I worked as an actor, in nightlife, and eventually in fashion, learning both the creative and business sides of the industry.

And that’s where something clicked.

I saw rooms filled with unsold clothing—beautiful, high-end pieces that never made it to market. At the same time, I carried memories from my childhood in Manila of clothing and plastic waste piling up in communities with very little.

Two very different worlds—but the same problem.

It made me question everything.

Around that time, I also became more aware of what I was putting on my body—how fabrics felt, how they were made, and what actually touches your skin every day. Since then, I’ve committed to choosing better. Not perfectly—but intentionally.

To buy less.

To choose well.

To think long-term.

When I started designing, I kept coming back to one question:

Why are so many dresses made for one moment?

I wanted something different.

Something that could move with you—through travel, through everyday life, through different versions of yourself.

That idea became Traveling Black Dress.

A simple concept:

One piece, designed to adapt.

Each design focuses on fluid silhouettes, ease of movement, and versatility. We produce in small batches with trusted partners in Bali, using thoughtfully sourced fabrics that feel as good as they look.

Most pieces are made from 100%bamboo jersey for its softness and breathability. Others incorporate GOTS-certified organic cotton for a more structured feel.

Our bamboo jersey is also OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning the fabric has been tested for harmful substances to help ensure a safer textile process and a more mindful finished garment.

This brand isn’t about perfection.

It’s about making better choices—consistently.

Clothing that gets worn.

Clothing that lasts.

Clothing that moves with you.