A Passion for Fashion

If there is another thing that is universal aside from music, it is fashion. No matter where you are in the globe, fashion is one thing that keeps people connected in a way Nokia can only dream of. Whether it is being aware of what’s the latest in fashion styles and trends, having the knack to pick out the best and worst-dressed at awards shows, possessing a superhero-like ability of spotting fake Louis Vuittons from a mile away, or having an encyclopedic knowledge of Project Runway episodes, it is our love for fashion that has keep us in line with one another. Case in point: Bjork’s swan dress at the 2001 Oscars. Not everyone knew who she was (she is a critically-acclaimed pop singer from Iceland who has sold millions of records worldwide) but you can bet that the very moment she showed up on TV screens all over wearing the infamous dress, everyone drew in a collective horrified breath and agreed it was a fashion disaster with a capital “D.”

In the Philippines, it has been proven time and again how we have a united stance when it comes to fashion. Sure, we may have different views on how the current government is running the country and may either prefer to be a Kapamilya or Kapuso, but when it comes to fashion and anything fashionable, we are one. We pounce on fashion trends like desserts on a buffet table and attack malls having a fashion sale as if our very existence depends on it. Pinoys are naturally fashion-loving people and have an innate sense of creativity and resourcefulness; thus it is no wonder that when it comes to the global fashion scene, Filipinos aren’t exactly lagging behind their foreign counterparts. A good number of talented and highly creative Filipino fashion designers have made a name for themselves in the international fashion scene. Some had their designs showcased in high-profile society, celebrity events and fashion shows attended by the who’s who in fashion; while others gained recognition thru various forms of media, winning mentions in fashion bibles or having their creations featured as staples in popular TV shows. All of whom have made Filipinos everywhere proud, giving them a good reason to collectively hold their heads up high.

One of the more recognizable among the Filipino fashion designers making waves abroad is Monique Lhuillier. Monique belongs to the prominent Cebu-based Lhuillier family, who owns a chain of pawnshops in almost a hundred locations in various cities in the Philippines. At an early age, she knew she had the passion for fashion and was sent by her family to study at Los Angeles’ prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). There, she met Tom Bugbee, whom she a founded a bridal collection with. The bridal line was warmly received by fashion-savvy brides, fashion editors and Hollywood celebrities. She designed the lavish wedding gowns of Britney Spears (in her wedding to Kevin Federline) and Christine Baumgartner (to actor Kevin Costner). Soon after, Monique ventured into evening wear and her creations has become a prominent feature in red carpets in TV and film awards shows, earning mentions in widely read fashion magazines such as Vogue.

Another Filipina fashion designer who got her start in Los Angeles is Gloria Riomales. Gloria studied at the Far Eastern University and the University of Santo Tomas before deciding to pursue a design and merchandising course at the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1975, Gloria founded Fashion World & Boutique in Los Angeles. Today, the business thrives due to the support of Gloria’s loyal clientele which consists of affluent and highly accomplished individuals, distinguished dignitaries, diplomats, Heads of State, film makers, producers and directors.

Gloria’s custom-made clothing, known for its sophistication and timelessness, has been proudly worn by popular actresses at the Emmy Awards, as well as in television shows and beauty pageants.

On the other side of the globe is Paris-based Rose Anne Cu-unjieng de Pampelonne, whose bejeweled were recently featured in In Style (donned by pop superstar Rihanna), Elle and the ultimate fashion bible, Vogue. Rose Anne, who took painting lessons in Florence, Italy and design in Paris, is also an accomplished interior designer with a coveted clientele all over the world. In an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Anton San Diego, she emphasized how growing up in the Philippines has strongly influenced her work. “What I appreciate about having been born in the Philippines is the Filipino sense of flexibility and diplomacy (good manners over brutal frankness) as they help cushion the rough bumps along the way.”

Not far from Paris is another designer quickly making his presence felt. Ilocano Jasper Garvida bested tough global competition to win the Sky One Television prime-time reality program Project Catwalk in London (UK’s version of Project Runway). Jasper, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, an art and design school in London, and two other finalists showcased their creations at the prestigious London Fashion Week, and the judges had a tough time choosing the winner. In the end, it was Garvida’s talent and passion which put him ahead of the other two contestants. He won an exclusive deal with online style boutique Oli, a £25,000 cash prize, as well as a spread in Grazia—the iconic, world-renowned fashion magazine covering top designers and trends.

Back in the US, another fashion designer who gained instant recognition thru a popular prime-time TV show is former fashion model Tina Maristela-Ocampo. Tina’s line of women’s bags, Celestina, is already established in the Philippines, but a recent episode of the TV show Lipstick Jungle proves that Celestina will soon be an internationally-known name. Tina is determined to source all her materials in the Philippines, collaborating with Bulacan jewelry designers and Cebu exporters and using indigenous materials in the country for her bags.

“Our country has so much to offer the world,” Tina tells Philippine Star’s Joanne Zapata-Andrada in a recent interview. “I firmly believe that artistically, we stand head and shoulders among the best. As far as natural resources are concerned, we are at a clear advantage. All we need is to be focused enough to marry resources, skill and creativity with marketing and simple business sense. Every Celestina item has a tag that proclaims its origins as being from the Philippines. I am proud of our country and proud of being a Filipina. Celestina is my way of making the world pay attention to our brilliance as a people.”

Judging from the way things have turned out for these fabulous fashion designers, it is clear that the world has indeed paid attention to the brilliance of Filipinos. And we can all bet that this is only the beginning. (www.asianjournal.com)

(Published November 12, 2008 p.mgzn2 LAWKND)

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