Dreaming has its prize

Designer Watch: Alexis Monsanto

MANILA, Philippines - Alan del Rosario made the country proud when he participated in the Oscars Dress Competition last February. Unknown to many, another Filipino designer also made history when his dress was worn in the Oscars. His name: Alexis Monsanto.

The protégé...

Born in Misamis Occidental, Alexis is the older of two children. He said he was exposed to the arts during his high school years.

“One summer vacation, I was in Manila. I had my first experience watching a fashion show while shopping in Harrison Plaza. I was in so much awe to discover how everything was stylized, the models were all glammed up. Then it came to my thoughts that I could do something better. Then I started to design for the cheerleaders, dramatics, corps of sponsors and of course my darling sister became my muse,” he said.

Although he finished a course in Medical Technology and was working as an intern in a hospital, Alexis’ love for sketching was still there. He made uniforms for his co-interns and met one of Cebu’s fashion pioneers, Leonardo Igloria.

“It was three months before graduation. I was in his shop to have some shirts and pants custom-made. I usually give inputs on my designs and he saw this raw talent in me. Then I asked what happened to his assistant designer, he replied that he left his post to start his own shop. Then he said, ‘Would you like to become my assistant?’ I said: ‘Are you kidding me?’ He replied: ‘No, I won’t ask you if I’m not convinced you got the talent.’ Without second thought, I said yes. For someone who has a strong following in the city to say that to me, I felt validated. I grabbed the opportunity right away! It was a moment that I’ve been waiting for,” Alexis said.

With Igloria’s mentoring, he was able to hone his sketching as well as construction and attention to details of the garment he used. He soon had his first fashion show in Cebu, traveled to Singapore and became a member of the Cebu Designers Guild.

Alexis considers his career as a blessing. “God has given me this talent. I have to make use of it. I can’t just throw it away. It’s a calling to make clothes and dresses, give women joy and be a part to create beauty.”

To further hone his course, he studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and took his MFA at the Otis/Parsons School of Arts and Design. He, however, had to drop out when he was offered a job in a menswear company in Los Angeles. While working in menswear, he also decided to pursue couture.

When asked to describe the women wearing his clothes, Alexis said: “They are head turners who find themselves sexy, but not vulgar; confident, powerful but feminine; free-spirited, glamorous and fashion forward.” 

He looks up to designers Valentino, Emmanuel Ungaro and Gianni Versace. He has also dressed up a few celebrities like Hilary Swank, Felicity Hoffman, Drew Barrymore and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Asked who would be his dream client, Alexis said, “I will die to dress up Jennifer Lopez in the red carpet!”

The Oscar moment

Aside from dressing Hollywood celebrities, Alexis also had the honor of seeing his dress worn by Kimberly Roberts during the Oscars this year when she was nominated in the documentary category.

“It was an awesome experience to dress up Kimberly during the Oscars. HBO contacted the publicist, and the PR called me. I heard about their story as victim of hurricane Katrina. I felt so elated and honored to dress up Kimberly when she went to the Oscar Ball. It was a dream come true to doll-up somebody in a much publicized event, to get her story to the public, how triumphant she emerged from the aftermath of the storm. And I got thumbs up from the producer, no less than Danny Glover, and filmmakers Tia Lessen and husband Carl.”

With his dress worn in the Oscars, Alexis was featured in TFC’s Balitang America, NBC’s My First Time in Academy and local newspapers.

When asked what he thinks Filipino designers should do to break into the international scene, Alexis said: “I used to feel I was a big fish in a fountain. When I got to the US, I felt I was a small fish in the ocean. I have very humble beginnings. I struggled, but in that struggle, I developed strength, and that strength has helped me to stay where I am now. Because I was a small fish, I focused on my path as I navigated the waters. When I got here, I left everything I had in Cebu. I came only with a suitcase filled with courage, strong will to succeed, dreams to pursue, sheer talent and values that are only applicable in a new place and culture to embrace. Life has taught me so much, I’ve fallen many times and got up many times, too. But I learned from my experiences and never gave up my dreams. Do your homework with diligence. Keep up with the trends. Design in order to sell. Build the brand/name with integrity.”

He added: “Don’t just wait for your turn, seek for it. You have to do your part, God won’t hand it to you. You ask for spiritual nourishment and guidance from Him but you have to do the dirty job.”

From being a protégé, Alexis Monsanto has shown that with courage and perseverance, one can attain success. He is definitely the next Filipino designer to watch out for in Los Angeles.

(For more information, you may log on to monsantodesigns.com)