TAKE TWO

Ronaldo Arnaldo is not one of those publicity-hungry fashion hounds, who may get their names on the pages of style bibles that matter and yet receive a mixed salad of reviews for the most part. Rather, he’s been out of the fashion circus and concentrating on his pieces. He’s on every fashion editor’s speed dial, which, I think, says something. For years he’s been churning out rag candies to a select few clients, until recently he teamed up with Backstage, an aptly named venue to show his wares.

Ronaldo works in a way that every good interior decorator should. Though he has a look, every dress he makes is individualized to his client’s personality. "My design aesthetic is based on several years of experience of being in the business. I believe that there’s a particular dress for a particular person for a particular occasion. That’s the reason why I have to get as much information on the personality of my client so I can design an outfit that will best suit her," he shares.

The best thing about doing Ronaldo is that you get a highly singular piece without sweating too many bucks. Ronaldo has perhaps the most amazing price points. It’s a philosophy he has regarding fashion – looking good doesn’t mean having to spend a ridiculous amount of money. "My rates are reasonable because they are based on a computation on the fabric consumption and labor involved with a corresponding but fair markup. I believe I have to be fair with my clients," he says, adding: "I believe in affordable couture. That’s exactly what’s happening in the international fashion scene. Most of the known brands are having diffusion lines to capture an even wider market."

Like with most designers, Ronaldo has the same sailor song when it comes to the woes of being in business in the Philippines: "My frustration with the local fashion industry is the textile industry. Designers are limited on whatever fabric is available. We can’t have our own prints and can’t have a fabric in whatever color we desire. But despite all of this we manage to come up with good garments."

Ronaldo  perhaps represents all the good things in fashion. Great design without the bells and whistles and due accolades without the hype. Time to get a backstage pass!

Backstage is located on the second floor of San Lorenzo Arcade, Pasay Road, Makati (tel. 752-71970). It's at the back of New World Hotel, above Cable car.