Rhett Eala makes waves

Rhett Eala recently made waves in fashion. Literally. And cruise my heart, it was a sight to sea.

On a Super Star Virgo cruise starting from Manila to Laoag and crossing the international waters for Kaohsiung, Taiwan and then Hong Kong, top designer Rhett Eala presented his latest collection of gowns. They were beauty pageant-worthy, having been designed as a wardrobe for Bb. Pilipinas Universe Maxine Medina.

Passengers were delighted by the fashion treat at the ship’s Grand Piazza which looked like a palatial lobby with its series of winding stairways. After the show, they took selfies with the beauty queens and models, who took the cruise along with celebrities, entrepreneurs and lifestyle editors. The show was directed by Robby Carmona and hosted by supermodel Tweetie de Leon and top designer Rajo Laurel.

Dubbed as “Always Famous” (inspired by the funny and poignant movie Almost Famous ) by Manila’s favorite travel guru and event organizer Keren Pascual, the specially-designed trip had themes for each day based on movies like Grease, In the Mood for Love and La La Land.

At the ship’s Genting Palace, Rhett and I sat down for some chitchat on his cruise collection and how he has navigated his career.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What was on your mind when you designed the gowns for this trip?

RHETT EALA: I designed them as the competition wardrobe of Maxine (Medina) for the 2016 Miss Universe pageant.  I wanted her to have a classy and elegant look, using tulle, silk, chiffon and shantung.

How was it like working with Maxine?

Maxine is a very humble girl. She is also very determined.

As one of Philippine fashion’s top designers, you have always been a trend setter. It was you who started the craze for ponchos, the nationalist fad of putting the Philippine map on T-shirts, and, lately, the love for handpainted dresses and gowns. What’s next on your drawing board?

I like learning new things. I always approach my work like a student. So I’m still studying my next move.

What or who inspires you?

I am inspired by Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Balenciaga. Also the works of artists like Matisse, Cy Twombly and Richter.

But of course, your mom, the artist Baby Valencia-Eala exposed you to  art.

Yes, she brought us to many museums. My favorites were Musee d’Orsay in Paris and Tate Modern in London.

How did your grandfather, columnist Doroy Valencia, influence you and your career path?

Ay naku, palagi akong pinapagalitan noon. He was the one who sent me to fashion school, the Accademia Italiana in Florence where I spent three years.

Did you do apprenticeships or work after that? You definitely have a global perspective and you were in many places before coming back to Manila.

I did, for some small Italian fashion brands. Yes, I spent high school in Hong Kong, lived in New York for two years and worked as a buyer for Barneys.

You designed the Due label at Rustan’s for 11 years, and also the Wink line with Cindy Yang. And now, you’re into pageant gowns. Your career has been composed of phases.

Yes, I am now in my beauty queen stage.

 How do you feel now that young designers seem to find inspiration from your clothes?

I’ve been in their shoes before and I, too, have been inspired by designers who were senior to me. It feels great to be able to do some things for others at this time and give back.

What do you think of  Philippine fashion today?

I love the new crop of designers coming up, especially the streetwear designers. They’re becoming global in look as well as in the way they market themselves. Hopefully, we can have a breakthrough designer soon from Manila.

Is there any dream project you want to do?

I’d love to do an exhibit to showcase the works of other designers, starting from Valera to Inno Sotto. I feel the young designers don’t know much about the history of Philippine fashion. It would be a monumental task.

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  For inquiries on Star Cruises, call (02)836-6080 or email salesmanila@gentinghk.com. You may also book through any local travel agency or visit www.starcruises.com.

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