The homecoming of Oliver Tolentino
MANILA, Philippines - Metro magazine, together with Metro Society, presented designer Oliver Tolentino in his first gala show in the Philippines. His 75 plus-piece couture collection was inspired by Old Hollywood, and was comprised of red carpet gowns and cocktail dresses in vibrant colors with his signature intricate details and finishings, along with a line of unique suit-cut barongs with built-in camisa tsinos. In keeping with his promotion of Filipino fabrics internationally, majority of the collection was made of native fabrics, such as pina, abaca, and raw silk cocoon dyed in rich colors.
“I love doing shows, and my expectations (were) high for this one. The Metrowear Icon shows are always well done, so I was flattered when the organizers approached me early in the year about being a part of their event,” he said.
The evening’s show was for the benefit of Bantay Bata 163, an organization that Oliver supports. With the recent slew of typhoons that hit the country, Metro and Metro Society have also added Sagip Kapamilya as a beneficiary. With the very special causes that Samsung Metrowear Icon: Oliver Tolentino are supporting, Metro has also been fortunate to have the special participation of actor Piolo Pascual, Kaye Tinga, Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Metro Society editor-in-chief Raul Manzano, and philanthropist Bettina Osmeña as the show’s ambassadors.
