Yes, we've arrived. We've done an Inno show.

It was every model’s dream during my time to do a show for Inno Sotto; to be able to say “Yes, I’m doing Inno’s show” was kind of a validation of our work and our stature as models. It was a particular challenge for our batch of junior models in the early ‘80s to work side by side with the supermodels of that time: Bessie Badilla, Menchu Menchaca-Soriano, Gina Leviste, Cheng Bernardez, Anna Francisco-Risinger, to name a few. “Una sila lagi sa lineup,” so we had to work extra hard to prove our worth.

As models, we sort of had a special, exclusive “bucket list” of designers we longed to work with and Inno belonged on that list; there was a silent acknowledgement among models back then that once you’d ticked off all the names on that list and done an Inno show, you’d arrived: you’d made it to the top. Just like today, his shows during those times were few and far between; so, like the lottery, we anticipated the final models’ lineup with much excitement and trepidation. I was privileged to work with him and wearing his clothes on the runway gave me some of the best moments of my modeling career.

Inno is very discerning about the people he works with, particularly the models. He applies the same philosophy to his designs; that is why he continues to be one of the most sought-after designers today by women of impeccable fashion taste and sophistication. His clothes are never haphazard, his collections never a product of whim; he always dedicates himself fully to each of his collections and the results are always dramatic but not theatrical, rich but not gaudy, structured but not stiff, elegant and classic but not boring and dated.

His quiet demeanor can be mistaken for aloofness, even snobbery, but ask all those who know him well and they will tell you of a person who is generous with his time and talent, nurturing as a mentor, a loyal, trusted friend and a person with a great sense of humor. He is a man of few words but Inno has no need to say much; his body of work over the years and his latest collection speaks volumes of who he truly is.

I asked several models who have worked with him about their most lasting impression of Inno and his work. Here’s what they had to share.

Lingling Gonzalez

My first show as a fashion model was for Inno Sotto. I remember doing a photo shoot for that show and Inno just used a long piece of fabric, wrapped it around my body, twisted it around the chest area and tied the end of the fabric behind my back. Before I knew it, damit na. He was a calm person even in the most hectic, pressured moments of a show. He was one of the first designers I worked with who cut exquisite patterns, used rich fabrics, rhinestones and crystal buttons which turned every piece of his collection into a work of art. His work is a mirror of himself — clean, subtle and elegant.

Anna Francisco-Risinger

From the first time I heard his name and saw his work I wanted to model for him; it was an honor when he asked me to take part in his shows, wear his creations and to be photographed in them. Inno was kind and soft-spoken and I was so lucky to have known him. I was so proud when he asked me to be the bride in one of his gala shows; for all the models, that was such a big deal! I own one of his very famous and elegant evening suits, I’m sure many will recognize it; I cherish it and have it until now, my “vintage Inno.”

Bessie Badilla

I have a lot of memories of Inno but there are two I will never forget. The first time I saw and met Inno was at his house in San Antonio Village, Makati; his sister Elise, who was a year older than me at 13, was my best friend. Inno came from Christian Espiritu’s shop where he was an apprentice and being mentored along with Gang Gomez, Chito Vijandre and Bwana Boi Reyes. Inno came out of the car wearing a white button-down shirt all the way to his belt and khaki pants looking like he just stepped out of the pages of a magazine; he looked immaculate. I will never forget his hair: the “pageboy cut”! I’m sure he spent a long time blow-drying it to look that way.

I could not take my eyes off him; he said “Hello” to Elise and smiled at me! I whispered to Elise, “Ang cute naman.” Then Elise told me not to bother because I would have to have a catfight with Techie Ysmael (now Bilbao, who was a model back then) who just happened to step out of the car herself. Techie was wearing an Inno creation: khaki hot pants, a cream-colored tucked-in shirt and boots! Yes, boots, plus a bullet-studded belt across her body from her shoulder to her hip! Waaaaa! Techie was so sweet and asked how old and tall I was; later that day, she went to meet with my mother and asked if I would be allowed to model. My mother said “No... Maybe when she’s older.”

The second most memorable recollection I have of Inno was modeling for his “No Buttons, No Zippers, No Hooks and Eyes” show at the Stargazer; it was a 60-piece collection of clothes all tied and knotted in different ways making them look “new” every day! “Wow, ang galing!” During the course of that luncheon show, basketball player Kareem Abdul Jabbar came in with his Puerto Rican wife at least four times to watch the show and loved Inno’s trendy and very sexy collection! On our last day, Inno gave me one of the yellow tops and told me to hide it right away because Kareem had bought the entire collection for his wife!

I wore that yellow top in Paris, tied the bottom in a big knot to turn it into a one-shoulder micro-mini dress and paired it with stilettos… and perfume with lots of makeup. Very provocative (I was 23 and weighed 98 pounds). That night at the club, someone gave me a bottle of Magnum; I had never seen a champagne bottle that big before! Then I met the gentleman who gave the champagne and in my mind I kept saying, “Maraming salamat, Inno” while I uttered the words, “Merci bien, Monsieur Marcello Mastroianni!”

Cheng Bernardez-Lucas

I was fortunate to model during the golden age of Philippine fashion from the late ‘70s to the ‘80s for the likes of Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno, Joe Salazar, Auggie Cordero, Cesar Gaupo and, of course, Inno Sotto. At the height of haute couture in Manila. I did a lot of Inno Sotto’s shows then, month-long luncheon shows at La Concha-Hyatt Regency as well as gala shows. I was always in awe of Inno, though; he was a bit aloof but I guess that’s part of being a genius; in truth he was well-mannered, soft-spoken and a very nice person. I never got the chance to hang out with him outside of work or go on any tours with him but I always think of Inno with fondness; my admiration for him as a designer has not changed.

My most memorable experience with Inno was a photo shoot I did with top models Menchu Menchaca-Soriano, Bessie Badilla, Anna Francisco-Risinger, Nitz Bernardez and Lingling Gonzalez at the National Museum for a premier fashion magazine. I thought it was the most apt location for Inno’s dramatic clothes; all the imposing columns and the staircase provided the perfect backdrop for his bold and avant-garde designs. I particularly remember how fabulous we all looked with turbans he personally wrapped around our heads and in black gowns with assorted architectural floral designs. Even back then, he was already bold, fearless and ahead of his time.

Tina Maristela-Ocampo

At the Fashion Designer’s Group (FDG) show, Inno came out with a stunning collection of gowns with precise cutting in clashing colors of deep emerald greens and royal blues, adorned with faux diamond brooch. He got a standing ovation after that show and I remembered a battalion of well-dressed women rushed backstage to greet the new Master of Couture. He was gentle and calm when he greeted his throng of well-wishers alongside his muse, the beautiful Samantha Eduque.

Inno has been loyal not only to his aesthetics and fashion sensibilities but to his clients and artisans as well; this is one reason he finds success even today. Inno remains focused on what he does best; he uses beautiful fabrics to achieve the right structure and fit of each design. His meticulous cutting, his genius mix of colors and embellishments result in a mysterious feel of luxury, subtlety and richness that has kept me a loyal fan of his work. I keep the gowns and cocktail dresses he has made for me over the years; too bad I wasn’t able to buy any of the clothes I modeled for him, they would be considered priceless today!

Izza Gonzalez-Agana

Four days before his show, I had a fitting and Inno in his trademark polo shirt, trousers and moccasins jokingly said, “Ay naku, Izza, susunod mall show na lang ako!” To which I replied:“Sa Paris na lang uli (I did a show for him in Paris).” He was probably already nervous with the show just around the corner. Despite the temporary jitters, he managed to pay close attention to the fit of the clothes, just like a real professional. He is one of the few designers who still uses senior models for his shows and I am honored and grateful for that.

Nitz Bernardez

Inno was one of the greatest and my most favorite fashion designers during my modeling days from 1978 to 1982; his designs were all unique and innovative. He was always soft-spoken, calm and kind to all the models, makeup artists and manangs who worked with him in the shows. I still remember how happy and honored I was to come out in the finale of one of his luncheon fashion shows as the bride.

Suyene Chi-Sia

Knowing Inno is such a joy and a gift and my feelings about him remain the same; he is still genuinely kind and generous, a thoughtful and loyal friend. I did countless shows for him and even after I got married and semi-retired from modeling. Nothing much about him has changed. He continues to manifest his brilliance in his style and design philosophy and like every true great artist, his talent continues to surprise, to awe, to be desired and to inspire. He is, without a doubt, the best Filipino designer of his generation.

Tweety de Leon-Gonzalez

It is always stimulating to work with Inno Sotto because his creative ingenuity is limitless and he always delivers a unique and fresh perspective to fashion. He is a consummate artist who always strives for perfection and achieves it.