26 Fashion Favorites
The world of Philippine fashion is brimming with remarkable and outstanding talents. There is an endless list of brilliant artists from different fields. These talented individuals are dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence, global competence and distinct identities.
In celebration of The Philippine Star’s 26th anniversary, Multiple Choice presents its list of favorites in the world of Philippine fashion.
1. Aranaz (bags) — One of the globally recognized Filipino retail bag brands that have put the country on the world map.
2. Danica Magpantay (model) — The first Filipino Supermodel of the World.
3. Rafe Totengco (designer) — More than “Rafe,” the multi-talented designer is one of the handful few who have placed Philippines on the fashion map.
4. Stephen Gan (creative director) — The creative genius behind global fashion bible Visionaire is also the editor of V and Vman magazines. He is also the creative director of Harper’s Bazaar.
5. Randy Ortiz (designer) — An industry pillar, who was formerly the president of the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Randy is an advocate in promoting local talents here and abroad. He is an institution in local menswear and has spearheaded various programs and movements towards the development of Philippine fashion.
6. Inno Sotto (designer) — The prince of Philippine fashion is an advocate of local talent. He is one of the prime movers of the fashion industry.
7. Lesley Mobo (designer) — He is the young designer who’s a recipient of the Emilio Pucci Award and has captivated the Britons by storm. He worked under Jasmine de Milo and Diesel. He is currently under the advisory board of the London College of Fashion.
8. Jewelmer (jewelry) — The jewelry company is globally recognized as the best source of the prized golden South Sea pearl.
9. Jackie Aquino (show director) — As a fashion show director, Jackie is another pillar in the local industry. His works both here and abroad have spanned for decades. He is one of the pioneers who professionalized the industry.
10. Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez (artist) — This talented and beauteous style icon exemplifies modeling at its finest. She is a model who has crossed over to film and TV.
11. Jun de Leon (photographer) — The icon of Philippine photography.
12. Ronnie Salvacion (photographer) — One of the local fashion industry’s best photographers whose works have been tapped by top advertising agencies and glossy magazines. He has an impeccable taste and eye for beauty.
13. Celeste Tuviera Querido (hairstylist) — A graduate of the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, this hair expert has masterful hands that have transformed countless celebrities and personalities in the country into mane attractions.
14. Juan Sarte (makeup artist) — As a makeup artist, he is sought after by many celebrities and style icons. He has become an iconic figure in the industry.
15. Josie Natori (designer) — A fashion icon whose globally renowned House of Natori has surpassed the test of time.
16. Monique Lhuillier (designer) — The accomplished international Filipino designer whose consistent presence in New York Fashion Week has successfully transcended bridal wear to the mainstream.
17. Ben Chan (retailer) — The man behind the successful Suyen Corp. whose iconic brand Bench has grown leaps and bounds — even reaching the international market. Bench is also the biggest fashion brand that has a multitude of personalities as endorsers.
18. Michael Salientes (fashion stylist) — The pioneer of fashion styling in the Philippines.
19. Bea Valdes (bag and accessories designer) — The genius whose name has become an international brand.
20. Tina Maristela Ocampo (bag designer) — The woman behind Celestina, a globally recognized bag brand. Celestina remains to be a favorite of Vogue.
21. Slims (school) — This institution of fashion and design prides in producing more than a handful of the country’s best designers.
22. Cecile Zamora-Van Straten (journalist) — The style icon whose distinct flair for fashion pioneered mainstream blogging in the Philippines.
23. Manila FAME — The legendary platform for design forward, high-quality, Philippine-made products that are simply world-class.
24. School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFa) — The new fashion school in the Philippines.
25. Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) — The most prestigious association of models in the country is an institution that has established, implemented and promoted professional modeling.
26. Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) — The most prestigious fashion council in the country spearheads the promotion and development of Philippine fashion.
(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com. Check out www.stylenarratives.blogspot.com)
