San Francisco is where designer Ito Curata, one of President Arroyo’s designers, used to be based. It is also where another Filipino designer is making a name in the fashion scene — Joseph Domingo.
In a phone interview, Domingo shared his start in the business, his views on Filipinos making it in the international fashion scene and his plans to help the Philippine fashion industry.
Born in Bataan, Domingo always loved to draw and watch the Miss Universe pageant. “I enjoyed looking at beautiful women and beautiful clothes,” he recalled.
After high school, he briefly went to Adamson University and the School of Interior Design where he took up Architecture and Interior design before moving to the US in 1984. It was in the US that he decided to pursue further studies in fashion by enrolling at the West Valley College.
LA Fashion Week and Ugly Betty
In 1999, he put up his own shop in San Francisco where he catered to both men and women. Asked on the difference between designing for men and women, Domingo says: “I don’t want to make it sound easy but it’s not much of a difference. You must be able to work well whether it be men or women’s wear.”
He also dabbled in children’s and maternity wear. “I like to challenge myself and experience different directions,” he adds.
For the past five seasons, Domingo has been showcasing his collection at the Los Angeles Fashion Week. “The LA market is different, secondary but it has its own identity. LA is geared towards Hollywood Red Carpet while New York is more of mass producers.”
His exposure at the LA Fashion Week has paid off. His designs have been featured in various magazines and television appearances, including CNN, Women’s Wear Daily and California Apparel News.
Domingo cites the highlights of his career in the US, so far: “Being mentioned in Ugly Betty where my dress was shown. The second would be Shakira wearing my dress on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine.”
He cites Giorgio Armani, Valentino and the late Gian Franco Ferre as his favorite designers. As for famous personalities, he picks Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, Sen. Hillary Clinton and President Arroyo as those he would like to see wearing his clothes.
World-class Pinoy
Domingo is elated that Filipino designers are steadily but surely making it in the international fashion scene.
“We’re getting more visible now. It’s extraordinary! We’re more global now,” he says.
Having been back to Manila several times and meeting Rajo Laurel and Ito Curata, who is a good friend of his, Domingo says he hopes to contribute to the Philippine fashion industry by opening his own shop here one day.
“I want to contribute to job-generation. Filipinos are talented in embroidery and beading. I would like to someday hire workers but I’m in the process of studying the market.”
And as for those designers wanting to make it to the international market, Domingo has this tip to share: “Keep yourself grounded and humble, but at the same time, don’t let anybody discourage you.”
From watching Miss Universe, doing LA Fashion Week to seeing his clothes on American TV, Joseph Domingo has definitely gone places. He could be San Francisco’s next Golden Boy.
(For more information, please visit www.josephdomingo.com)