“To desire, to want and to be inspired by beautiful men and women who have captured our hearts through glamour — this is what Aspirer is all about. To look good and stand out in every occasion is the objective. After all, red carpet is a way of life.”
There is truth and wisdom in these words fashioned by masterful designer Randy Ortiz. Pioneering red-carpet dressing in the Philippines and having more than a handful celebrity muses under his wing through the years have given him the distinguished title of “designer of the stars.” There is the living reality of cinema in fashion and its irresistible fascination that remains as an overwhelming aspiration. This stalwart of cinematic glamour to date has dressed up more than a hundred of local cinema’s glittering and notable celebrities to the most scene-to-be-seen and noteworthy events.
A pillar in the industry, Ortiz, the former president of the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines, is a moving force in the promotion, development and future of the growing local fashion industry. He has a conscious and sincere commitment to the design community. His outstanding talent and deeply rooted understanding of the art of business in fashion have made him one of the most successful RTW designers in local fashion history.
This year marks a milestone in his design career as he presents his Samsung Metrowear gala show entitled “Aspirer” on Sept. 4 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. Celebrating 20 years in the local industry, Randy presents a show that is inspired by the glamorous world of cinema. The 80-piece collection is a journey through decades of remarkable fashion eras with much attention to the ‘50s (electro-pleating, peplums and voluminous skirts of Dior, Charles James and Cristobal Balenciaga), ‘60s (Valley of the Dolls, Jackie O, baby doll dresses, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn) and ‘70s (wide-legged pants and palazzos). A fantastical play of silhouettes in a spectrum of textures and colours defines the upcoming display of his artistic brilliance and excellence. A presentation of exemplary tapestries of luxurious fabrication will be revealed as the endless parade of lace, leather, a range of luxe silks fills the runway with unforgettable delight. More importantly is the unveiling of Ortiz’s creation of his own inventive fabric execution resulting in distinct and exemplary embroideries.
Moving local fashion forward, his artistry unfolds an evolution and revolution of design and aesthetics that go through dramatic transitions of style, silhouette and form. There is a current identity of neo-romanticism with hints of Asian influence, creating a singular statement that only Ortiz can claim his own. This accomplished artist has created a signature that continuously evolves through the passage of time by creating and recreating silhouettes, designs, detailing and experimentation of fabrication.
There is a sense of realism in Ortiz’s work. Disciplined in his art, he has a discerning eye for detail, mastery of technique in design and high level of taste. He has a mission-vision of classic innovation and reinvention that is emulated in his timeless pieces.
Today, Randy Ortiz takes the spotlight. A man of excellence, he is a visionary, prime mover, leader and a legend. But he remains grounded and humbled by his talent. Moving with the reels of fashion in all its cinematic appeal is something every designer aspires for. The future of Ortiz’s monumental works lives in Cinema Paradiso.
(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)