Hollywood and Manila celebrities turned out to support Beverly Hills-based fashion designer Oliver Tolentino when he recently closed the second day of the official Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW) Red Carpet Night to a standing room-only crowd.
The Philippine STAR took a front row seat at the event. The venue was the rooftop of the Peterson Auto Museum, known for its iconic red racing stripes covering the exterior.
Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap sat front row next to the Filipino Flash, boxer Nonito Donaire, who attended with his wife Rachel. Consul General Edgar Badajos provided diplomatic representation at the event.
Hollywood Fil-Am actors Carlin James (The Assassination of Gianni Versace), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock and Hannah Montana), Michael Cabellon (Mr. Mayor) sat front row together with Filipina celebrity Kiana Valenciano.
Oliver presented a 33-piece couture collection that was inspired by old Hollywood glamour.
Former Supermodel of the World Philippines, Tutay Maristela, who is also Oliver’s muse, opened in a show-stopping red gown with a hand-beaded bodice and voluminous skirt with 5,000 hand-cut rosettes. Tutay also closed the runway with a spectacular catwalk, wearing a hand-stitched silver chain mail dress featuring an incredibly couture structured bell skirt that stunned the crowd.
The beautiful Gazini Ganados, the last Binibining Pilipinas Universe and Miss Universe 2019 finalist, surprised the crowd by making her L.A. runway debut in a vibrant modern long-sleeved terno red lace gown accented with 3-D beaded lace flowers.
Dozens of gorgeous and elegant evening gowns in red, blue and black styled in Oliver’s signature silhouettes with couture embellishment and impeccable finishing wowed the crowd. A segment featuring gowns with lots of elegant bling for the red carpet was well-applauded as well. Three were fully sequined — a metallic multi-colored pink column gown, a fuchsia column gown with high slit, and an iridescent pink mermaid gown.
Miss Universe ’78 Margaret Gardiner sat front row in the designer’s beaded black lace mini-dress with sleeves together with the designer’s private clients all attired in his creations. Oliver’s friends, including celebrity lawyer Jemela Nettles, Oliver Carnay, Jush Andowitt, Ruben and Janet Nepales, and top floral stylist Edgar Rame, also attended.
After the curtain call, Oliver joined Tutay and Gazini on the runway as he basked in the adoration of the crowd, knowing that his latest collection has further solidified his stature as a top Hollywood designer.