My favorite Martin!

Having graduated from the De La Salle University with a degree in Business Administration, Dennis Martin was expected to join the rat race and crunch numbers for some large corporation. Instead, he chose to pursue his more artistic interests. Martin promptly took classes in patternmaking at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines where he learned the basics of designing and making clothes.

After finishing his designing and dressmaking course, Martin immediately put his skills to the test and began dressing up contestants at local beauty pageants and competitions. It was in these events where he garnered awards and recognition for his gowns. Shortly after, he was invited to take part in the Philippine Terno Competition and he officially joined the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines. 

It did not take long for Martin to build a steady clientele. When asked what he considered as keys to establishing client loyalty, Dennis shared, “I make sure to give each woman who comes to me a simple but elegant design. I then proceed to make sure that the garment fits her perfectly.”

Cutwork pop art-inspired cocktail dress embellished with beaded and sequined top.

Mature women who have accomplished careers that require them to attend elegant affairs gravitate towards Martin’s elegantly understated creations. However, he has managed to reach out to the younger set as many debutantes also come to him to ensure that their coming-of-age parties are made memorable.

When asked who his fashion inspirations were, Dennis said that he looks toward the works of Valentino, Bob Mackie, Oscar de la Renta, Aureo Alonzo and Noli Hans. Martin is also inspired by great art like the works of French artist Henri Matisse. Currently, he serves as the chair of the board of Bridal Designers Group-Philippines.

 (Dennis Martin may be reached at the following: 48 Sampaguita Avenue, Mapayapa Village 2, Quezon City. Tel. nos.  0917-8124008 and 217 8641. Visit facebook.com/dennismartincouture/ and

Matisse-inspired tube cocktail dress made of cut-out fabrics.

@dennis_martin_couture on Instagram.)

Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Makeup and hairstyling by Rey Legarda • Stylist: Arvin Cruz • Model: Gayle Panajon • Shot on location at THE BELLEVUE MANILA, Filinvest City, Alabang • Special thanks to Ryan Chan, Gel Lagman Villalin and Bianca Mercado of The Bellevue Manila