MANILA, Philippines - The creations of Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran are truly world-class. Francis is the featured designer in an episode of America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks.
In the special episode airing in the Philippines today, Anne Curtis will model four of Francis’ finest gowns including a blue soft chiffon number with linear details and an off-white gown studded with Swarovski crystals. The photos were taken by Mark Nicdao, whose works will also be showcased in the show.
“As a Filipino designer, I’m very privileged that I was chosen to be part of America’s Next Top Model to create a collection for an episode there,” Francis said. “I’m very honored. I’m so proud to showcase what our talents are.”
Prior to this feat, one of his creations was already worn by Tyra herself at the fourth Annual Blossom Ball last month. The model, who was named one of the “best dressed” attendees that night, tweeted, “Feelin’ the love 4 the Philippines 2day …wore Francis Libiran’s dress 2 @PadmaLakshmi’s Blossom Ball!” It wasn’t the first time that Tyra wore a Francis Libiran gown. Last year, the designer visited one of Tyra’s shoots, wherein she wore a black-and-gray gown that he especially created for her.
Today’s episode of America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion will also show contestants wearing Francis’ collection as inspired by Hello Kitty.
The designer recalled the time when America’s Next Top Model Fil-Am producer Michael Carandang called him up about designing clothes for the show. According to Francis, the producer wanted his clothes to reflect his personality. Ultimately, Francis designed 12 gowns with help from his architect friend, Ditto Arcellana.
Ironically, Francis did not initially come from a design school. Instead, he graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Architecture. He later enrolled in the Pattern Making Class at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, where he was able to learn the basics of fashion design.
Francis is described as “extremely hard-working, tedious and passionate, the look of satisfaction in his clients’ faces are one of his best rewards.” He also “maintains a Cosmopolitan perspective by always traveling all over the world to spark inspiration.” Francis’ studio workshop is located at Scout Fernandez in Quezon City.