Oliver Tolentino leaps from Bataan to the klieg lights of Hollywood

MANILA, Philippines -  Bataan-born Oliver Tolentino has been working the Hollywood circuit for the past two and a half years, churning out dresses for celebs and socialites in the land of milk and honey-hued tans.

Though the boyishly handsome designer grew up in a relatively modest neighborhood — in the picturesque Orani — he learned how to dream big, thinking beyond the shores of his hometown. “I didn’t have fashion shops in the province to inspire me,” he tells The STAR. “Most of my inspiration came from watching TV and old Hollywood movies with my mother.”

Tolentino thumbed through back issues of magazines his mother would purchase at Clark Air Base to see what people in Hollywood were wearing. As early as seven, he knew that fashion was in his blood, constantly glued to the TV whenever they’d air fashion shows or beauty contests.

He’s been living the dream since he made the transition to LA, garnering cred on the celebrity circuit as one of the go-to designers for the red carpet. He’s particularly proud of utilizing local materials like piña and jusi, a signature for the designer fond of embellishing his head-turning ensembles with orgiastic layers of ruffles and frills.

LA-based Pinoy designer Oliver Tolentino’s ode to Old Hollywood

This year has proven that the 40-year-old designer’s career is on the ascent, having nabbed a starring spot on the latest season of America’s Next Top Model, earning major placement in the episode’s final challenge last month, as well being present in awards shows like the Golden Globes red carpet. This month also sees Tolentino being celebrated locally, with a solo gala show for MetroWear honoring his work here and abroad. STAR sits down with Tolentino to talk design and the hard lessons learned in the dog-eat-dog world of Hollywood.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What was the first garment you designed?

OLIVER TOLENTINO: A school project. They were pajamas but I made mine to look like a bunny with a hood and matching slippers. Even my teacher knew what I would be and told my mother.

How has your aesthetic evolved since then?

A lot, I hope! (Laughs). My aesthetic changes and is still changing because I keep learning and reading about fashion. I’m not comfortable knowing just how to draw or just how to sew. I want to know everything about my craft, including pattern making and cutting. Now I understand the construction of clothes better than I did when I was younger.  My design style has changed naturally because of my exposure to the American fashion markets in LA, New York, and Hollywood. I hope I’m getting more sophisticated with every new look I create.

Who are the celebs you’ve dressed?

Grammy winner Cee-Lo, who wore my clothes at the Billboard Awards and in his videos. As well as Kimora Lee Simmons on the cover of BC magazine, Glee’s Amber Riley at this year’s Golden Globes and even Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Camille Grammer.

What has living in Hollywood taught you?

The use of local materials is a signature of the designer, who enjoys making a statement on the red carpet.

Living in Hollywood has taught me about simple elegance in style and professionalism in how I conduct myself as a designer.

Who do you look up to?

I admire Valentino, Christian Dior, and Chanel.

Tell us about your experience working with Tyra Banks for America’s Next Top Model.

For Cycle 17, ANTM’s stylist pulled clothes for the show.  I was flattered that seven of the 13 “All Stars” wore my dresses for the Pink’s hotdog stand shoot and that the week’s winner wore my purple piña gown.  To me, it was a win for Philippine fabrics.

I know stylists pull out from you for the awards season. Are there other celebs you’d love to dress?

I think any designer would say they’d love to dress Angelina Jolie.

This is your first gala show. How did you approach the collection’s theme?

For my MetroWear Icon show I was inspired by Old Hollywood.  The amazing fashions from that period continue to inspire me even today as I dress people in modern Hollywood.

What do you want people to say when they see your work?

I hope they will say “classic” and “elegant.”  I also hope people will recognize how much goes into my details and finishing. I think fashion industry people will appreciate the time and effort I put into it, even in looks, which might appear simple to the casual observer at first glance.

Now that you’ve done your own solo show, what’s next for you?

I have been blessed with many international shows the past few years and with two galas this year — the first was the very prestigious Featured Designer at Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Springs, California, and now this very prestigious MetroWear Icon one here in Manila.  People should know that while this may be my first Philippine gala, I spent over 15 years in Manila quietly working hard on my creations and earning each client one by one. I expanded to the States just two years ago.  After this show, I will return to Los Angeles and continue promoting Philippine fashion and fabrics as much as I can.